Infertility Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Frequency of factors associated with habitual abortion in 197 couples

Stephenson MD

Published July 1996 Fertility and sterility
DOI 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)58382-4 PMID 8752606

Abstract

Objective

To determine the frequency of factors associated with habitual abortion in 197 couples.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

The British Columbia Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Program, located in a tertiary care academic center.

Interventions

Diagnostic screening protocol.

Main Outcome Measures

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.

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Topics

Related research

Infertility › Recurrent Pregnancy Loss › Immune and Thrombophilia Factors · Diagnostics › Genetic and Immune Testing › Autoimmune and Thrombophilia Panels · Genetics and Immunology › Reproductive Immunology › Autoimmune Conditions and Fertility
PMID 8752606 8752606 DOI 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)58382-4 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)58382-4 Stephenson et al. 1996, Stephenson 1996