Non-surgical interventions for threatened and recurrent miscarriages.
Many surgical and non-surgical interventions are used in the management of threatened and recurrent miscarriages. Evidence-based management of recurrent miscarriages requires investigations into the underlying aetiology. When a specific cause is identified, directed treatment may reduce miscarriage rates. Combined aspirin and heparin for antiphospholipid syndrome, and screening and treatment of bacterial vaginosis between ten and 22 weeks of pregnancy with clindamycin, are the only interventions proven to be useful in randomised controlled trials (RCTs). The use of periconceptional metformin for polycystic ovarian (PCO) syndrome is promising, though data from RCTs are still required. The use of heparin in inherited thrombophilias, bromocriptine in hyperprolactinaemia and luteinising hormone suppression in fertile patients with PCO syndrome are more controversial. In threatened miscarriages, or when no cause is found, treatment becomes empirical. Supportive care may reduce miscarriage rates. Dydrogesterone, a progesterone derivative, may further reduce miscarriage rates. Bed rest and avoidance of sexual intercourse, though commonly advised, are of no proven benefit. Use of uterine relaxing agents, human chorionic gonadotrophin, immunotherapy and vitamins remain controversial in idiopathic recurrent miscarriages.
Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 10 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597.
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D000026:Abortion, Habitual / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D000033:Abortion, Threatened / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D016736:Antiphospholipid Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001241:Aspirin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001510:Bed Rest; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008687:Metformin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000379:methods; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D011379:Prognosis; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012846:Singapore
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D006493:Heparin; D008687:Metformin; D001241:Aspirin