Recurrent spontaneous abortion--aetiological factors and subsequent reproductive performance in 76 couples.
A diagnostic screening programme identified a possible aetiological factor in 32 of 76 couples (42%) evaluated for recurrent spontaneous abortion (three or more consecutive abortions). The abnormalities most commonly observed were endocervical infections (18%), cervical incompetence (11%) and uterine abnormality (9%). Hypothyroidism was present in 3 women and chromosomal abnormality in 2. None were positive for lupus anticoagulant. Treatment of uterine abnormality and cervical incompetence was associated with 75% and 86% success rates, respectively, whereas treatment of infective causes resulted in a 44% successful pregnancy rate, much the same as the 42% rate that occurred in women who had not been thus treated.
van Iddekinge
B
B
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Johannesburg Hospital.
Hofmeyr
G J
GJ
D000026:Abortion, Habitual / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; D002577:Uterine Cervical Diseases / Q000150:complications; D002581:Uterine Cervical Incompetence / Q000150:complications; D014599:Uterus / Q000002:abnormalities