Medical uses
Cervical ripening
In the setting of labor and delivery, cervical ripening (also known as cervical effacement) is a natural process that occurs before labor, in which the cervix becomes softer, thinner, and dilated, enabling the fetus to pass through the cervix. A ripe cervix is favorable prior to induction of labor, which is a common obstetric practice, and increases the chances for a successful induction. Pharmacological methods are sometimes required to induce cervical ripening that does not occur naturally. The natural ripening of the cervix is mediated by prostaglandins, thus a common pharmacological method is to use external prostaglandins such as PGE2, or dinoprostone. Results of a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature found that outpatient cervical ripening with dinoprostone or single-balloon catheters did not increase the risk of cesarean deliveries.PGE2 achieves cervical ripening and softening by stimulating uterine contractions as well as directly acting on the collagenase present in the cervix to soften it. There are currently two formulations of PGE2 analog available for use in cervical ripening: Prepidil, a vaginal gel, and Cervidil, a vaginal insert. PGE2 is similar to oxytocin in terms of successful labor induction and the time from induction to delivery. Termination of intrauterine pregnancy
Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is a common pharmacological method of termination of pregnancy, particularly in the second trimester or for missed abortion, which is a miscarriage in which the fetus did not evacuate the uterus. However, PGE2 is not feticidal, and only induces abortion by stimulating uterine contractions.
Sialodochitis (also termed ductal sialadenitis), is inflammation of the duct system of a salivary gland. This is compared to sialadenitis, which is inflammation of the gland parenchyma.Sialodochitis may be associated with salivary duct strictures and salivary stones.It is common in both the parotid glands and submandibular glands.The treatment is as for sialadenitis. Diagnosis
It may appear on a CT scan or MRI scan as enhancement and dilation of the duct (sialectasis).On sialography, it may appear as segments of duct dilation and stenosis. This is sometimes termed the sausage link appearance. Sialodochitis fibrinosa
This is a rare condition, probably caused by an allergic reaction, in which there is sudden swelling of the salivary glands. It is associated with other allergic conditions such as asthma, urticaria, allergic rhinitis and food allergy. == References ==