Intravenous dihydroergotamine to relieve pelvic congestion with pain in young women.

Abstract

The selective venoconstrictor dihydroergotamine (DHE) was given intravenously to 12 women with evidence of pelvic congestion. In 6 the effect of the drug on pelvic veins was observed by pelvic venography. After DHE there was a mean reduction of 35% in the diameter of the pelvic veins measured and the contrast medium cleared rapidly, with a visible reduction in pelvic congestion. In the other 6 women DHE was given during an acute attack of pelvic pain. The effect of the drug on pain relief was assessed by a single-blind crossover trial with intravenous saline as the placebo and by a visual analogue scale to assess the intensity of pain. Pain was significantly lower post-DHE 4 and 8 h and 2 and 4 days after treatment than after placebo. The results confirm a close association between demonstrable pelvic congestion and pelvic pain.

• Authors: P W Reginald, R W Beard, J S Kooner, C J Mathias, S U Samarage, I A Sutherland, J Wadsworth
• Journal: Lancet (London, England) (Lancet) Vol. 2 Issue 8555 Pg. 351-3 (Aug 15 1987) ISSN: 0140-6736 [Print] England
• PMID: 2886820 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Dihydroergotamine

Topics

• Acute Disease
• Adult
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Dihydroergotamine (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Female
• Humans
• Injections, Intravenous
• Pain (drug therapy, etiology)
• Pelvis (blood supply)
• Time Factors
• Veins (drug effects)