[From the Cochrane Library: both expectant management and curettage are suitable options in case of miscarriage].
A Cochrane systematic review of 5 randomised clinical trials compared the safety and efficacy of expectant management versus curettage for early foetal loss. The expectant-care group was more likely to have an incomplete miscarriage, a need of unplanned curettage, and bleeding. In contrast, curettage was associated with a significantly higher risk ofinfection. Given the lack of clear superiority of either approach, the woman's preference should play a dominant role in reaching a decision.
Hamerlynck
J V T H
JV
Academisch Medisch Centrum/Universiteit van Amsterdam, Dutch Cochrane Centre, J1B-108, Postbus 22.660, 1100 DD Amsterdam. j.v.hamerlynck@amc.uva.nl
Wieringa-de Waard
M
M
Middledorp
S
S
D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000628:therapy*; D003475:Curettage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D012449:Safety; D016896:Treatment Outcome