In a multicentre trial (3 centres) the safety and efficacy of an intramuscular injection of 125 µg of 15(S)15 methyl PGF2α (Prostin 15M, Upjohn) was compared with methylergometrine for prophylactic control of bleeding during the third stage of labour. Three hundred patients were recruited for the study - 150 to each treatment group. The duration of the third stage was shorter in the patients (4.4 minutes) treated with Prostin 15M compared to the methylergometrine group (8.6 minutes). Similarly the blood loss during the third stage was reduced by 50% of that observed in the methylergometrine group (72 ml vs 145 ml). Prostin 15M, when used prophylactically was better than methylergometrine in controlling the blood loss during the third stage of labour.
1988 Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand.