title: Frequency of factors associated with habitual abortion in 197 couples.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the frequency of factors associated with habitual abortion in 197 couples.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective cohort study.
  
  
  METHODS
  The British Columbia Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Program, located in a tertiary care academic center.
  
  
  METHODS
  Diagnostic screening protocol.
  
  
  METHODS
  Genetic, endocrine, infectious, anatomical, and autoimmune factors associated with habitual abortion.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A structural genetic factor was identified in 3.5% of the couples. An endocrine factor, including luteal phase deficiency and hypothyroidism, was identified in 20% and an infectious factor was identified in 0.5% of the couples. An anatomical factor, including various müllerian tract anomalies and severe intrauterine adhesions, was found in 16% and an autoimmune factor, including the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and the undifferentiated connective tissue syndrome, was identified in 20% of the couples. Eighty-four couples who completed the diagnostic screening protocol were classified as having unexplained habitual abortion. Of these 84 couples, 65% were subclassified as primary, 27% were subclassified as secondary, and 7% had unclassified unexplained habitual abortion.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This large-scale study identified genetic, endocrine, infectious, anatomical, or autoimmune factors in approximately 60% of couples with habitual abortion.
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, British Columbia's Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, Canada.
authors: M D
authors: MD
authors: Stephenson
mesh_terms: D000026:Abortion, Habitual / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics*; D000328:Adult; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000150:complications; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004700:Endocrine System Diseases / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D005796:Genes; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies