Expectant management of first-trimester miscarriage.
Miscarriage is the most common complication of pregnancy, which creates a significant workload for health-care professionals. For decades, surgical evacuation of the uterus has remained the conventional treatment of first-trimester miscarriage. Recently, non surgical treatments have been introduced with increasing popularity. This review explores the evidence in support of expectant management of first-trimester miscarriage. It is safe, effective and well-tolerated by women. It enhances women's choice and control. It generates significant cost savings compared with the traditional surgical management. Accurate diagnosis, counselling, 24/7 telephone advice and follow-up are among the important aspects of expectant management. More studies are needed to develop methods for identifying miscarriages suitable for expectant management.
El-Sayed
M M
MM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Darent Valley Hospital, Dartford, UK. mohsenmelsayed@hotmail.com
Mohamed
S A
SA
Jones
M H
MH
D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000191:economics / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D000328:Adult; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003657:Decision Making; D004107:Dilatation and Curettage / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D057240:Patient Preference; D018579:Patient Selection; D034161:Pelvic Infection / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D018570:Risk Assessment