Fetomaternal hemorrhage in threatened abortion.
In this study, we compared the incidence of fetomaternal hemorrhage between patients with threatened abortion and a control population of similar gestational age. The study population comprised pregnant patients at less than 20 weeks' gestation who presented to our emergency room with a history of vaginal bleeding without cervical dilatation or passage of tissue. The control population consisted of women presenting for elective pregnancy termination; they were excluded from the study if they gave a history of any antepartum bleeding. The amount of fetomaternal hemorrhage was evaluated using the Kleihauer-Betke acid elution assay. A positive result in our laboratory, as determined by a nonpregnant control group, was a value of 0.07% or more fetal cells. Using this criterion, 11% of the study population had a positive Kleihauer-Betke test, compared with 4% in the pregnant control group. Rho(D) immunoglobulin may be indicated in Rho(D)-negative patients who present with threatened abortion.
Von Stein
G A
GA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wishard Memorial Hospital, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis.
Munsick
R A
RA
Stiver
K
K
Ryder
K
K
D000033:Abortion, Threatened / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D005331:Fetomaternal Transfusion / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy