Thrombocytopenia following intracervical prostaglandin priming

Thrombocyte aggregation with normochromic anaemia occurred in a gravida III of 27 years of age with sonographically confirmed foetal hydrocephalus, after prostaglandin E2 cervical priming. The authors discuss the differential diagnostic possibilities, but the actual genesis of the changes remains unclear. Hence, it is recommended to check with particular care especially in induction of abortion, the coagulation system with the thrombocytes, over and above the well-known prostaglandin side effects. Special attention must be paid to the occurrence of allergic reactions, and it must always be borne in mind that induction of abortion after the 14th week of gestation is a risky matter (1).