人乳头瘤病毒基因亚型分布及与宫颈病变关系分析

目的:探讨女性HPV感染率和基因亚型分布,分析其与宫颈病变的关系.方法:收集四川大学华西第二医院2011年9月至2012年8月妇科就诊29832例女性患者的宫颈脱落细胞进行HPV基因分型检测.对2398例同时具有宫颈活检组织病理诊断结果的患者进行分组,包括慢性宫颈炎症组599例;CIN Ⅰ组437例;CINⅡ/Ⅲ组906例(CINⅡ338例,CINⅢ568例);宫颈癌组456例.结果:HPV感染率为25.20％(7518/29832),其中高危型HPV、低危型HPV、HPV多重感染率分别为21.03％(6275/29832)、4.17％(1243/29832)、5.94％(1772/29832).常见的高危型HPV为HPV16、58、33、52、18.随着年龄增加,HPV感染率呈现增高趋势.随着宫颈病变的严重程度增加,HPV感染率增高.所有宫颈病变中,常见的高危型HPV由高至低依次为HPV16、58、33、18、52;在宫颈癌组中为HPV16、18、58、33、52;在CINⅡ/Ⅲ组为16、58、33、52、18.在HPV阳性的不同程度宫颈病变中均以单一感染为主,除慢性宫颈炎组外,单一感染的比例随宫颈病变程度增加而增加.结论:本研究最常见的高危型HPV为16、58、33、52、18,与其他地区相比存在一定的地区差异.HPV感染率随年龄增加呈现增高趋势.在不同宫颈病变中,HPV的型别分布有所不同,单一感染可能更易导致宫颈癌的发生.     

HPV多重感染与宫颈病变关系的初步研究

目的探讨人乳头状瘤病毒(HPV)多重感染在不同级别宫颈病变中的分布情况及多重感染亚型间的相互作用。方法采用PCR-反向点杂交人乳头状瘤基因分型技术对300例(慢性宫颈炎症组121例、CIN158例、CIN2 42例、CIN3 20例、宫颈鳞癌组SCC 8例、正常对照组51例)就诊患者进行HPV分型检测。运用?2趋势检验比较HPV在不同病变中的总感染率、多重感染率,分析HPV亚型在多重感染中的分布及变化。结果正常对照组、慢性宫颈炎、CIN1、CIN2、CIN3、SCC组的HPV多重感染率分别为3.92%、9.92%、15.52%、19.05%、15.00%、12.50%。不同宫颈病变相对于正常对照组,多重感染率明显升高(P0.05),宫颈癌组多重感染率与正常对照组比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05);多重感染中以二重感染最常见,二重感染最常见的HPV亚型组合是HPV16+51型。结论 CIN1、CIN2、CIN3及宫颈癌中HPV的感染率均高于正常和宫颈慢性炎症组,高危型HPV多重感染(高危与高危)增加宫颈上皮内病变风险,但与宫颈癌的发生无明显相关性。     

HPV检测在宫颈病变诊断及CIN术后随访中的价值

目的:探讨宫颈脱落细胞人乳头瘤病毒(HPV)分型检测在宫颈病变诊断和宫颈上皮内瘤变(CIN)行宫颈环形电切(LEEP)术后随访中的意义。方法:选择本院因宫颈病变行宫颈病理检查的患者1280例(包括宫颈炎症870例,CINⅠ115例,CINⅡ102例,CINⅢ109例,宫颈癌84例),均采用导流杂交基因芯片技术行HPV分型检测。对其中304例行LEEP治疗后的CIN患者于术后6个月、1～2年行HPV分型检测。结果:(1)随宫颈病变程度的增高,HPV感染率、高危型HPV(HR-HPV)感染率、HPV单一感染率均呈增高趋势,而多重感染率与宫颈病变级别无关。(2)本组中304例CIN患者在我院行LEEP治疗后6个月和1～2年定期随访。术前、术后6个月、术后1～2年HR-HPV感染率(81.3%、22.4%、5.6%)逐渐降低(P<0.05)。CINⅠ、CINⅡ、CINⅢ患者术后6个月HPV感染率分别为16.8%、21.9%、28.0%(P>0.05),术后1～2年HPV感染率分别为3.0%、5.2%、8.4%(P>0.05)。(3)术后1～2年HPV阴性组、HR-HPV阳性组、低危型HPV(LR-HPV)阳性组复发率分别为0.7%(2/281)、41.2%(7/17)、16.7%(1/6)(P<0.05)。结论:HPV分型检测为早期发现和预测宫颈病变转归提供了可靠警示,可作为CIN患者LEEP术后监测预后的重要指标。     

HPV亚型在宫颈疾病中的分布特点

目的:探讨HPV亚型在宫颈疾病谱中,即从正常宫颈(慢性宫颈炎)、宫颈上皮内瘤变(CINⅠ、CINⅡ和CINⅢ)到宫颈癌连续发展中的分布特点。方法:回顾分析2005年6月～2008年6月在我院妇科因宫颈疾病就诊的189例患者HPV亚型检测的结果。结果:HPV总感染率56.1%(106/189),复合感染率22.6%(24/106)。正常者HPV感染率19.1%(12/63),检测到的HPV亚型主要是HPV52,58,53,16和33。CINⅠ者HPV感染率57.9%(22/38),最常见的HPV亚型是HPV52,其次是HPV58,16,33和18。CINⅡ者HPV感染率70.5%(31/44),HPV52,16,58,33和18等亚型最常见。CINⅢ者HPV感染率89.3%(25/28),HPV亚型以HPV16,52,58,31,33为主。宫颈癌患者,HPV阳性率100%(16/16),HPV16检测率最高,其次是HPV18,52,58和33。结论:宫颈疾病谱中最常见的高危型HPV亚型是HPV16。不同宫颈病变中HPV亚型感染的差异可能反映了其潜在转归能力,同时提示临床医师应关注宫颈疾病患者高危HPV亚型情况。     

HPV在宫颈癌及癌前病变诊断中的意义

目的;探讨入乳头瘤病毒(HPV)在慢性宫颈炎,宫颈上皮内瘤变(CIN)以及在浸润性宫颈癌(ICC)中的表达,旨在提高宫颈癌及癌变前的诊断率。方法:将207例患者分为5组,宫颈上皮内瘤变(CIN)41例CINⅡ组38例;CINⅢ组35例;浸润性宫颈癌(ICC)组43例,慢性宫颈炎患者作为对照组50例。采用原位杂交技术(HC)方法检测其HPV表达。结果:HPV总检阳性出率为44.9%,在慢性宫颈炎(对照组)、CINⅠ～CINⅢ组以及ICC组中的阳性检出率分刖为22.0%、36.6%、50.0%、57.1%和65.1%。HPV感染与CIN及ICC关系密切;慢性宫颈炎、CINⅠ～Ⅱ组HPV显著低于CINⅢ和ICC,差异达到显著水平(P<0.05)。结论:检测高危HPV是早期诊断CINⅢ及ICC的一个重要辅助方法,在宫颈癌及癌变前诊断中具有重要意义和应用价值。     

TCT联合高危型HPV基因检测在绝经后妇女宫颈上皮内瘤变筛查的价值评估

目的:评价宫颈薄层液基细胞检测(TCT)联合高危型HPV基因分型检测在绝经后妇女宫颈上皮内瘤变(CIN)筛查的价值。方法:选取TCT检查结果异常,包括意义不明不典型鳞状细胞(ASCUS)、低度鳞状上皮内瘤变(LSIL)、高度鳞状上皮内瘤变(HSIL)和鳞状上皮癌(SCC)的163例绝经后妇女为研究对象,荧光定量PCR(FQ-PCR)法检测高危型人乳头状瘤病毒(HR-HPV16、18、31、33、45、52、56、58)分型,并以阴道镜下宫颈活检病理学诊断作为诊断金标准进行对比研究。结果:①不同年龄段绝经妇女TCT结果异常的类型构成比,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。②HPV分型检测阳性者80例,感染率49.1%,随着TCT检查宫颈病变级别的升高,HR-HPV感染率亦逐步增加,与低级别比,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。③163例TCT异常患者中,病理学诊断阳性51例(CINⅠ级24,CINⅡ级9例,CINⅢ级6例,宫颈浸润癌12例),阳性率31.3%(51/163)。随着TCT检查宫颈癌变级别的增高,宫颈组织病理学诊断阳性率逐步增加,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。④宫颈炎组中HR-HPV阳性40例,感染率35.71%,宫颈CIN阳性组中HR-HPV阳性29例,感染率74.4%(其中CIN I级70.8%,CIN II级77.8%,CIN III级83.3%),宫颈浸润癌组中HR-HPV阳性11例,感染率91.7%,随着宫颈病变病理级别的升高,HR-HPV感染率呈上升趋势(P<0.01)。⑤TCT联合HPV检测、单独HPV检测对CIN及宫颈癌筛查的敏感度均高于TCT检查,分别为96.1%、78.4%、66.7%(P<0.01)。TCT联合HPV分型检测、单独HPV检测对CIN及宫颈癌筛查的假阴性率低于TCT检测,有显著性统计学差异(P<0.01)。3种筛查方法的特异度、假阳性率比较,无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论:TCT联合高危型HPV基因分型检测在绝经后妇女宫颈上皮内瘤变筛查中具有重要意义。     

宫颈癌及上皮内瘤变人乳头瘤病毒基因型的检测

目的:了解宫颈癌及上皮内瘤变人乳头瘤病毒(HPV)的感染率及其基因型的分布。方法:用PCR-RFLP法检测239例宫颈癌及上皮内瘤变患者HPV感染并进行分型。先用PGMY09/11共同引物扩增生殖道粘膜型HPV L1区的高度保守区,然后联合使用RsaⅠ、MseⅠ、PstⅠ和HaeⅢ4个限制性内切酶对阳性PCR产物进行酶切,利用不同的酶切片段鉴定HPV的基因型。结果:在239例宫颈癌及上皮内瘤变患者中共检出205例(85·8%)HPV感染,其中宫颈上皮内瘤变Ⅰ级(CINⅠ)、宫颈上皮内瘤变Ⅱ~Ⅲ级(CINⅡ~Ⅲ)和宫颈癌中HPV感染率分别是66·7%,89·9%和98·3%,差异有统计学意义(P<0·001)。在宫颈癌及上皮内瘤变中共检出22型HPV,其中主要基因型及其感染率分别是HPV16(45·6%)、58(12·1%)和52(6·3%)。结论:宫颈癌及上皮内瘤变中HPV感染的基因型至少可达22型,其中以HPV16、58和52为最常见。     

宫颈重度鳞状上皮内病变和宫颈癌组织中人乳头瘤病毒感染及基因分型的研究

目的:探讨人乳头瘤病毒感染及其基因型与宫颈重度鳞状上皮内病变(HSIL)和宫颈癌的关系.方法:采用可检测25种HPV基因型的基因芯片方法分别检测HSIL(23例)和宫颈癌(46例)组织的HPV基因型,计算两组患者宫颈组织中HPV的感染率及各基因型的感染率,比较HPV及其主要基因型与宫颈病变的关系.结果:69例宫颈病变患者中HPV阳性率为98.55%(68/69);HSIL组单一型别感染率为81.82%,多型别感染率为18.18%,HPV的型别分布以HPV16、52、58最常见;宫颈癌患者中单一型别感染率为95.45%,多型别感染率为4.55%,HPV的型别分布以HPV16、58最常见.所检出的HPV型别中以HPV16的检出率最高.结论:①HPV感染,特别是高危型HPV感染与HSIL和宫颈癌的关系密切;②宫颈病变严重程度可能与HPV基因型多寡无关,而与感染HPV亚型的致病能力密切相关;③HSIL与宫颈癌感染的HPV基因型呈多样性.且均为高危型感染,其中以HPV 16型最常见.     

宫颈上皮内瘤变与人类白细胞抗原及人乳头瘤病毒感染相关性的研究

目的:探讨宫颈上皮内瘤变(CIN)与人乳头瘤病毒(HPV)感染及人类白细胞抗原(HLA)的相关性。方法:选取宫颈活检组织病理学诊断为CINⅠ42例、CINⅡ40例、CINⅢ29例、宫颈湿疣40例、慢性宫颈炎90例,从液基薄片检测剩余的保存液中提取宫颈脱落细胞学的基因组DNA,采用PCR方法及HLA试剂盒进行HPV16/18及HLA分型检测。结果:HPV16/18检出率CINⅠ组为21.4%,CINⅡ组为47.5%,CINⅢ组为55.2%,湿疣组为32.5%,宫颈炎组为1.1%。HLA分型表明,DR15(2)、DQ6(1)、DQ4在CIN组中阳性率分别为37.0%、44.0%、12.0%,明显高于宫颈炎组的17.5%、18.8%、3.8%(P<0.05),并且DR4阳性率随着CIN级别增高而增高(CINⅠ5.6%,CINⅡ13.9%、CINⅢ28.6%)。结论:HPV16/18感染和HLA分型与CIN及其分级密切相关,提示HLA在宫颈癌的发生、发展中可能起一定的作用。     

p16~(INK4A)蛋白及HPV感染与宫颈上皮内瘤变和宫颈鳞癌的关系研究

目的:通过检测慢性宫颈炎(chronic cervicitis)、宫颈上皮内瘤变(cervical intraepithelial neoplasia,CIN)及宫颈鳞癌(squamous carcinoma of the cervix,SCC)组织中p16INK4A蛋白表达与人乳头瘤病毒(human papillomavirus,HPV)感染的状况,探讨p16INK4A蛋白和HPV感染与宫颈鳞癌发生发展的关系。方法:采用免疫组化PV-9000方法检测114例宫颈组织标本的p16INK4A表达,用核酸分子快速导流杂交基因芯片技术(HybriMax)检测21种HPV DNA。结果:(1)慢性宫颈炎、CINⅠ、CINⅡ、CINⅢ、SCC组织中p16INK4A蛋白表达阳性率分别为0%、45.83%、72.73%、84.00%、91.30%,随着宫颈病变程度加重,p16INK4A蛋白表达阳性率逐渐增高,表达强度增加,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。(2)慢性宫颈炎、CINI、CINⅡ、CINⅢ、SCC中HPV感染阳性率分别为20.00%、37.50%、54.55%、56.00%、73.91%,HPV感染在不同宫颈病变组织中差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。随宫颈病变程度加重,HPV阳性率呈递增趋势,不同病变组织中位于前3位的HPV感染型别分别为:CINⅠ组,HPV16、18、58;CINⅡ～Ⅲ组,HPV16、33、52;宫颈鳞癌组,HPV16、18,52。(3)相关分析结果显示,病变组织中p16INK4A蛋白表达与HPV感染呈正相关(r=0.268,P<0.05)。结论:p16INK4A蛋白表达与宫颈病变程度有关,p16INK4A可能参与了HPV相关的宫颈癌发生。二者联合检测对宫颈癌筛查和预防具有重要意义。     

New techniques in evaluation of the cervix

The process of parturition is poorly understood, but the cervix clearly plays a key role. Because of this, recent research efforts have been directed at objective quantification of cervical remodeling. Investigation has focused on two basic areas: (1) quantification of tissue deformability and (2) presence, orientation, and/or concentration of microstructural components (e.g. collagen). Methods to quantify tissue deformability include strain elastography and shear wave elasticity imaging (SWEI). Methods to describe tissue microstructure include attenuation and backscatter. A single parameter is unlikely to describe the complexities of cervical remodeling, but combining related parameters should improve accuracy of cervical evaluation. This chapter reviews options for cervical tissue characterization.     

宫颈上皮内瘤样病变Ⅲ级治疗与预后分析

目的探讨宫颈上皮内瘤样病变Ⅲ级(CINⅢ)的治疗方法。方法对1972年至1998年在我院治疗的宫颈原位癌48例和宫颈重度不典型增生28例进行回顾性分析。结果原位癌患者中,行次广泛全子宫切除术的29例和全子宫切除术的11例,术后均无复发;6例行宫颈锥形切除术,1例术后14年再次发生原位癌;重度不典型增生的患者,行子宫切除术和锥切术患者均无复发。结论宫颈CINⅢ发病年龄出现年轻化趋势,全子宫切除术与次广泛全子宫切除术预后相近,全子宫切除术可作为原位癌患者的首选治疗方法;单纯宫颈锥切术有术后复发可能,术后应严密随访;重度不典型增生可行宫颈锥切术或LEEP手术,术后应定期随诊。     

Colposcopic accuracy of obstetrics and gynecology residents

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to determine the accuracy of gynecology residents' colposcopic impressions. METHODS: A retrospective review of colposcopic examinations was performed. Colposcopic impressions were compared to cervical biopsy and the results stratified by level of residency training. kappa Statistics were calculated to determine the strength of correlation between impression and biopsy results. RESULTS: Agreement within one-step between cervical histology and the colposcopic impression was found in 351 (77%) of the subjects. Histology impression agreement occurred in 92% of the nurse practitioner procedures, 77% of the second year resident (R2) cases, 75% of R3 colposcopies and 73% of the R4 procedures. The association between cervical biopsy and impression was highly significant (P<0.0001). However, the strength of the correlation was only slight (kappa=0.197). The kappa value was highest for the nurse practitioners (0.376, fair correlation) and lowest for the R3 residents (0.110, slight correlation). The positive predictive value for the association of any colposcopically detected abnormality with any histologic abnormality was 64.1%. The overall PPV was highest for the nurse practitioners (79.3%) and lowest for the R2 residents (58.7%). CONCLUSIONS: While the colposcopic impressions of gynecology residents were accurate, there was little difference in the accuracy of colposcopic assessment based upon the level of resident training.     

Screening history in women with cervical cancer in a Danish population-based screening program

Objective.

The aim of this study was to explore the screening histories of all cervical cancers in a Danish screening population. The intention was to decide suboptimal sides of the screening program and to evaluate the significance of routine screening in the development of cervical cancer.

Methods.

The study describes the results of a quality control audit, performed on all new cervical cancer cases diagnosed in the years 2008-2009 at two major Danish screening-centers. All relevant cytological and histological cervical samples were reviewed.

Results.

202.534 cytological samples were evaluated in the study period, while 112 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer. The histological diagnoses comprised: 62 (55.4%) squamous cell carcinomas, 20 (17.9%) microinvasive squamous cell carcinomas, 25 (22.3%) adenocarcinomas and 5 cancers of different histology. The mean age of study subjects was 46.6 years. 51 (45.5%) women had deficient screening histories, while 45 (40.2%) women had followed the screening recommendations and had normal cervical samples in review. 11 (9.8%) women were diagnosed with false negative cytology, 2 women had false negative histological tests, while pathological review was not feasible for 3 subjects.

Conclusions.

More than 45% of the cervical cancer cases in our study were due to deficient cervical screening, stressing the importance of increasing the screening-uptake and coverage. 40% interval cancers emphasize the relevance of further cervical testing of women with relevant symptoms, despite of prior normal cervical samples. Finally, 9.8% false negative cytological samples are consistent with previous reports, but still a part of the screening program that should be improved.     

人宫颈癌脱落细胞端粒酶活性检测的意义

目的 研究宫颈上皮内瘤样病变(CIN )和宫颈癌脱落细胞端粒酶激活的意义。方法 采用端粒酶PCR-ELISA法检测13例CIN和17例宫颈癌脱落细胞端粒酶活性,并与相应的组织标本中端粒酶活性相比较,11例正常宫颈脱落细胞作为对照。结果8例(61.54％)CIN、14例(82.35％)宫颈癌脱落细胞表达端粒酶活性,正常宫颈无端粒酶活性,CIN、宫颈癌及正常宫颈脱落细胞端粒酶活性平均值分别为0.328±0.192、1.329±0.259和0.039±0.084,三组间端粒酶表达率和量存在显著差异。CINⅠ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ级之间端粒酶活性无明显差异。CIN及宫颈癌组织中端粒酶活性和相应脱落细胞一致。结论 端粒酶的激活是宫颈癌的早期改变,在宫颈癌发生发展过程中起重要作用;宫颈脱落细胞和组织中端粒酶活性可能成为宫颈癌早期诊断、预后判断和肿瘤浸润的标记物。     

Verification of HPV16 as a good prognostic factor for cervical adeno-adenosquamous carcinoma via an international collaborative study

ObjectiveThis study (Asian Gynecologic Oncology Group [AGOG]13-001/Taiwanese Gynecologic Oncology Group [TGOG]1006) was to validate human papillomavirus (HPV)16 as an independent good prognostic factor and investigate the impact of treatment modalities to cervical adenocarcinoma and adenosquamous carcinoma (AD/ASC).Materials and methodsPatients receiving primary treatment at AGOG and TGOG member hospitals for cervical AD/ASC were retrospectively (1993–2014) and prospectively (since 2014) enrolled. DNA extraction from paraffin-embedded tissue (FFPE) specimens was used for HPV genotyping. Those with suspected endometrial origin were excluded for analysis.ResultsA total of 354 patients with valid HPV results were enrolled, 287 (81.1%) of which had HPV-positive tumors. The top-3 types were HPV 18 (50.8%), HPV16 (22.9%) and HPV45 (4.0%). The HPV16-negativity rates varied widely across hospitals. 322 patients were eligible for prognostic analyses. By multivariate analysis, advanced stage (HR5.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.1–15.8; HR5.8, 95% CI 1.6–20.5), lymph node metastasis (HR4.6, 95% CI 2.7–7.9; HR7.3, 95% CI 3.8–14.0), and HPV16-positivity (HR0.3, 95% CI 0.1–0.6; HR0.3, 95% CI 0.1–0.9) were independent prognostic factors for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Stage I patients with primary surgery had better 5-year PFS (82.8% vs 50.0% p = 0.020) and OS (89.3% vs 57.1%, p = 0.017) than those with non-primary surgery, while the propensity scores distribution were similar among the treatment groups.ConclusionThis study confirmed that HPV16-positivity was a good prognostic factor for PFS and OS in AD/ASC, and patients seemed to have better outcome with primary surgery than non-primary surgery.     

Clinical implications of the interaction between HPV and HIV infections

HIV-related immunodeficiency has complex effects on female genital HPV, which include increased risks of infection, multiple types, persistence, reactivation and the risk to develop pre-invasive and invasive disease.Reconstitution of immunity with anti-viral drugs improves cellular immunity, but the risk of HPV-related malignancy remains higher than background incidences and presents at younger ages. Early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) allows improved retention of immune memory through existing antibodies and T-cell clones and improves long-term outcomes.Suggestions of a higher risk to contract HIV if there is existing genital HPV infection are supported and explained by pathophysiological cervical changes, including inflammation.HIV–HPV interactions should influence public health decisions towards prioritising large-scale prepubertal HPV-vaccine roll-out, secondary cervical cancer prevention and early detection programmes for HIV-infected women and early initiation of ART.This chapter will also focus on special considerations for the management of women with co-infection with these two viruses and genital HPV-related diseases.     

2005年中国12家医院宫颈癌机会性筛查资料分析

目的:探讨中国不同地区进行宫颈癌机会性筛查的价值.方法:收集分析2005年全国12家医院门诊进行宫颈癌机会性筛查(oppommistic screening,OS)的资料,筛查方法包括液基细胞学、巴氏细胞学、高危型HPV检测,以及中国癌症基金会推荐的Ⅰ方案(液基细胞学检查加高危型HPV DNA检测)、Ⅱ方案(巴氏涂片加高危型HPV DNA检测)、Ⅲ方案(醋酸白肉眼检查法);并经阴道镜检查,病理确诊宫颈病变及宫颈癌.结果:共收治门诊患者1242952例次,其中接受OS202231例次,占门诊例次16.27%.筛查方法依次为液基细胞学84082例(41.58%),巴氏细胞学79426例(39.27%),Ⅰ方案23658例(11.70%),Ⅱ方案6504例(3.22%),检测HPV筛查者5976例(2.96%);Ⅲ方案2585例(1.28%).最普遍采用的筛查方法是细胞学检查(液基及巴氏方法)占95.76%.检出宫颈癌前病变(CIN Ⅰ+CIN Ⅱ+CIN Ⅲ)共5146例(2.54%),宫颈癌1134例(0.56%).结论:医院内就诊人群宫颈病变检出率高,应高度重视其机会性筛查,及时进行规范性治疗.     

Intravaginal administration of 9-deoxo-9-methylene-16,16-dimethyl PGE2 for cervical dilation prior to suction curettage

The study objective was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a single 16, 16-dimethyl prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) vaginal suppository for achieving nonmechanical dilation when administered 12 hours prior to a 1st trimester suction curettage. 20 women between 7 and 12 weeks gestation who wanted an abortion volunteered to be the study subjects. 4 women were primigravidas and 16 were multiparous. All the women had normal medical histories and clinical examinations. Cervical dilatation, if any, was measured with Hegar dilators and recorded in millimeters. The serum concentration of prostaglandin reached its highest levels 4 hours following the insertion of the vaginal suppository. A higher level between 2 and 4 hours cannot be ruled out. Serum progesterone levels showed a slight decrease in 3 patients and no significant change in the other 4 patients. Cramping was noted in 17 of 20 patients. Its onset occurred between 1 hour and 8 hours post insertion. Vaginal bleeding occurred in 19 patients 1-12.5 hours. All patients were found to have a significant degree of cervical softening and cervical dilation when examined at 12 hours following the insertion of the suppository. 16 patients (80%) did not require any further medical dilation. The additional amount of cervical dilation for the 4 remaining patients ranged from 1 mm to 3 mm and was greatly facilitated by a softened cervix. 2 of these 4 women were primigravidas. 10 patients passed "tissue" per vagina during the observation period, prior to the termination procedure. Chorionic villi was confirmed by histologic examination in only 3 instances. The systemic absorption of the paracervical anesthetic was apparently increased since the initial group of patients complained of dizziness, numbness of tongue, and/or bitter taste in mouth. Study results indicate that a single 16, 16-dimethyl PGE2 vaginal suppository can "prime" the cervix so the further mechanical dilation was easily accomplished and in most cases (80%) was completely eliminated.