Updated screening protocol for abortion services.
We performed 2976 first-trimester abortions at our outpatient center in 1986. In 16 cases (0.54%), products of conception could not be confirmed histologically, although history, bimanual pelvic examination, and urine pregnancy test were suggestive of pregnancy. In 1987-1988, we prospectively evaluated 6689 women presenting for first-trimester abortions. Adding sonography and a semiquantitative serum hCG test to our earlier protocol, we were able to date and locate accurately 6510 pregnancies (97.3%) at the first visit. The remaining 179 patients (2.7%) required only one follow-up visit for final evaluation. This protocol reduced the number of visits for accurate evaluation of pregnancy and eliminated the risk of unnecessary curettage and unplanned second-trimester abortions.
Kaali
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SG
Women's Medical Pavilion, Dobbs Ferry, New York, New York.
Csákány
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GM
Szigetvári
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I
Barad
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DH
D000028:Abortion, Induced; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D011258:Pregnancy Tests / Q000379:methods*; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin