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Effect of the prostaglandin E 1 analogue gemeprost on the blood flow velocity waveforms of uterine arteries during the first trimester of pregnancy
Author(s) -
Jouppila Penhi,
SuomalainenKönig Sanna
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
bjog: an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.157
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1471-0528
pISSN - 1470-0328
DOI - 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1994.tb13004.x
Subject(s) - medicine , gestation , pregnancy , obstetrics , prostaglandin , gestational age , vascular resistance , uterine artery , fetus , blood flow , gynecology , hemodynamics , biology , genetics
Objective To investigate the effect of the vaginal application of the prostaglandin (PGE 1 ) analogue gemeprost on the vascular resistance of the main uterine arteries in early pregnancy. Design A prospective observational study. Subject Twenty‐one patients seeking legal termination of pregnancy at 7–12 weeks gestation. Methods Pulsatility indices for the main uterine arteries were measured by vaginal colour Doppler ultrasound before and 3 to 4 h after vaginal application of the PGE 1 analogue gemeprost. Results A significant increase of pulsatility indices was observed ( P < 0001 ) which was not affected by parity or gestational age. The change was similar in both uterine arteries, and placental lateralisation did not affect the results. All fetuses were still alive at the second examination. Conclusions Vaginal application of prostaglandin analogue gemeprost in early pregnancy increases the vascular resistance of uterine arteries. This may be caused by a direct vasoconstrictory effect or be secondary to uterine contractions.