Intrauterine prostaglandin (PG) F2alpha;infusion and intravenous (IV) oxytocin infusion were compared to evaluate the effectiveness of the two methods for termination of pregnancies with second-trimester rupture of membranes. Twentytwo women with this complication were randomly allocated to receive either 20 mg PGF2alpha;, diluted in 500 mL of NaCl 0.9percnt; and administered through a Foley catheter inserted through the cervix, or IV oxytocin infusion in increasing doses. All subjects in the PGF2alpha;group aborted after the first administration. Repeat infusion was necessary in three oxytocin-treated subjects. The mean (plusmn; SD) inductionabortion interval was significantly shorter in those receiving PGF2alpha;(6.7 plusmn; 1.2 hours) than in those receiving oxytocin (8.8 plusmn; 2.7 hours). Minor side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, were observed in three women during PGF2alpha;infusion and were treated symptomatically and by temporary interruption of the infusion. Uterine hypertonus, observed in one subject in each group, was treated by temporary cessation of the infusion. We conclude that intrauterine PGF2alpha;infusion seems more effective than IV oxytocin for termination of pregnancies with second-trimester rupture of membranes
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