Indications for examination of spontaneous abortion specimens: a reassessment.
The clinical evaluation of recurrent pregnancy loss is assessed in light of recent technical advances in trophoblast culture, ultrasonography, and chromosome analysis. With an algorithm based on karyotype results, cost-benefit calculations confirm that an average savings of $1099.47 per patient could be achieved if a policy of karyotype analysis of recurrent abortion specimens was emphasized. It is estimated that a specific chromosomal cause could be identified in 45% to 70% of such cases. A more concerted effort should be made to culture trophoblast tissue from recurrent pregnancy losses; such a policy would result in both emotional and financial rewards.
Wolf
G C
GC
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia 29203, USA.
Horger
E O
EO
D000026:Abortion, Habitual / Q000473:pathology; D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000191:economics / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007621:Karyotyping; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents; D011247:Pregnancy; D014481:United States