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Nature Reviews. Disease Primers Dec 2020Recurrent pregnancy loss is a distressing pregnancy disorder experienced by ~2.5% of women trying to conceive. Recurrent pregnancy loss is defined as the failure of two... (Review)
Review
Recurrent pregnancy loss is a distressing pregnancy disorder experienced by ~2.5% of women trying to conceive. Recurrent pregnancy loss is defined as the failure of two or more clinically recognized pregnancies before 20-24 weeks of gestation and includes embryonic and fetal losses. The diagnosis of an early pregnancy loss is relatively straightforward, although progress in predicting and preventing recurrent pregnancy loss has been hampered by a lack of standardized definitions, the uncertainties surrounding the pathogenesis and the highly variable clinical presentation. The prognosis for couples with recurrent pregnancy loss is generally good, although the likelihood of a successful pregnancy depends on maternal age and the number of previous losses. Recurrent pregnancy loss can be caused by chromosomal errors, anatomical uterine defects, autoimmune disorders and endometrial dysfunction. Available treatments target the putative risk factors of pregnancy loss, although the effectiveness of many medical interventions is controversial. Regardless of the underlying aetiology, couples require accurate information on their chances of having a baby and appropriate support should be offered to reduce the psychological burden associated with multiple miscarriages. Future research must investigate the pathogenesis of recurrent pregnancy loss and evaluate novel diagnostic tests and treatments in adequately powered clinical trials.
Topics: Abortion, Spontaneous; Adolescent; Adult; Antiphospholipid Syndrome; Female; Humans; Hypothyroidism; Middle Aged; Pregnancy; Recurrence; Risk Factors; Uterus; Vitamin D Deficiency
PubMed: 33303732
DOI: 10.1038/s41572-020-00228-z -
Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics &... Sep 2020Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract. HPV infection is more prevalent in pregnant than in age-matched... (Review)
Review
Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract. HPV infection is more prevalent in pregnant than in age-matched non-pregnant women and its prevalence increases as pregnancy progresses. A number of reports evaluated the role of HPV infection in miscarriages. In the present review, we summarize the existing evidence regarding the association between HPV infection and miscarriage. It is still unclear whether HPV infection is associated with increased risk for miscarriage. Studies in the field yielded conflicting findings and their conclusions are limited by a small sample size and/or methodological limitations. On the other hand, preclinical data support a role of HPV infection in placental dysfunction. Given the high prevalence of HPV infection and the possibility that vaccination against HPV might protect against miscarriage, more studies are needed to elucidate whether this common infection is associated with increased risk for miscarriage.
Topics: Abortion, Spontaneous; Case-Control Studies; Causality; Female; Humans; Incidence; Papillomaviridae; Papillomavirus Infections; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious
PubMed: 32917313
DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2020.07.005 -
MCN. the American Journal of Maternal... 2018
Topics: Abortion, Spontaneous; Adult; Biomarkers; Chorionic Gonadotropin; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome
PubMed: 29215419
DOI: 10.1097/NMC.0000000000000395 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2013Progesterone, a female sex hormone, is known to induce secretory changes in the lining of the uterus essential for successful implantation of a fertilized egg. It has... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Progesterone, a female sex hormone, is known to induce secretory changes in the lining of the uterus essential for successful implantation of a fertilized egg. It has been suggested that a causative factor in many cases of miscarriage may be inadequate secretion of progesterone. Therefore, progestogens have been used, beginning in the first trimester of pregnancy, in an attempt to prevent spontaneous miscarriage.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the efficacy and safety of progestogens as a preventative therapy against miscarriage.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (1 August 2013), reference lists from relevant articles, attempting to contact authors where necessary, and contacted experts in the field for unpublished works.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials comparing progestogens with placebo or no treatment given in an effort to prevent miscarriage.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors assessed trial quality and extracted data.
MAIN RESULTS
Fourteen trials (2158 women) are included. The meta-analysis of all women, regardless of gravidity and number of previous miscarriages, showed no statistically significant difference in the risk of miscarriage between progestogen and placebo or no treatment groups (Peto odds ratio (Peto OR) 0.99; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78 to 1.24) and no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse effect in either mother or baby.A subgroup analysis of placebo controlled trials did not find a difference in the rate of miscarriage with the use of progestogen (10 trials, 1028 women; Peto OR 1.15; 95% CI 0.88 to 1.50).In a subgroup analysis of four trials involving women who had recurrent miscarriages (three or more consecutive miscarriages; four trials, 225 women), progestogen treatment showed a statistically significant decrease in miscarriage rate compared to placebo or no treatment (Peto OR 0.39; 95% CI 0.21 to 0.72). However, these four trials were of poorer methodological quality. No statistically significant differences were found between the route of administration of progestogen (oral, intramuscular, vaginal) versus placebo or no treatment. No significant differences in the rates of preterm birth, neonatal death, or fetal genital anomalies/virilization were found between progestogen therapy versus placebo/control.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is no evidence to support the routine use of progestogen to prevent miscarriage in early to mid-pregnancy. However, there seems to be evidence of benefit in women with a history of recurrent miscarriage. Treatment for these women may be warranted given the reduced rates of miscarriage in the treatment group and the finding of no statistically significant difference between treatment and control groups in rates of adverse effects suffered by either mother or baby in the available evidence. Larger trials are currently underway to inform treatment for this group of women.
Topics: Abortion, Habitual; Abortion, Spontaneous; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, Second; Progestins; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 24173668
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003511.pub3 -
The Practitioner May 2014Miscarriage is defined as a pregnancy failure occurring before the completion of 24 weeks of gestation. Around 10 to 15% of all pregnancies end in early spontaneous... (Review)
Review
Miscarriage is defined as a pregnancy failure occurring before the completion of 24 weeks of gestation. Around 10 to 15% of all pregnancies end in early spontaneous first trimester miscarriage. Advancing maternal and paternal age are known to be associated with increasing chance of miscarriage. Other risk factors include being underweight or overweight, smoking and high alcohol consumption. Traditional practice classified miscarriage according to the history and findings on speculum examination but transvaginal ultrasound scan should now be considered the standard test to assess viability of the pregnancy. Assessment of the amount of vaginal bleeding experienced is best made in the context of time taken to saturate a sanitary pad. Changing a pad soaked with blood and clots more than once an hour is an indication of heavy bleeding that requires immediate referral. Following confirmation of a viable intrauterine pregnancy, symptoms may resolve. If the symptoms worsen, or persist beyond 14 days, a repeat referral should be made to the early pregnancy unit for further assessment. If a pregnancy is 12 weeks' gestation and the woman is rhesus negative, she will require anti-D prophylaxis if there are symptoms of bleeding. Expectant management is the first-line approach, and is encouraged for 7-14 days after diagnosis of miscarriage. Most women will miscarry spontaneously during this time and will need no further treatment. It is not appropriate if there are risk factors for haemorrhage, or if the woman is at increased risk from the effects of haemorrhage. Medical management of miscarriage can be offered using misoprostol. Surgical management may be chosen by a woman if she has had a previous adverse or traumatic experience associated with pregnancy.
Topics: Abortion, Spontaneous; Female; Humans; Pregnancy
PubMed: 25055407
DOI: No ID Found -
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta Dec 2012A miscarriage is the most frequent complication of a pregnancy. Poor chromosome preparations, culture failure, or maternal cell contamination may hamper conventional... (Review)
Review
A miscarriage is the most frequent complication of a pregnancy. Poor chromosome preparations, culture failure, or maternal cell contamination may hamper conventional karyotyping. Techniques such as chromosomal comparative genomic hybridization (chromosomal-CGH), array-comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) enable us to trace submicroscopic abnormalities. We found the prevalence of chromosome abnormalities in women facing a single sporadic miscarriage to be 45% (95% CI: 38-52; 13 studies, 7012 samples). The prevalence of chromosome abnormalities in women experiencing a subsequent miscarriage after preceding recurrent miscarriage proved to be comparable: 39% (95% CI: 29-50; 6 studies 1359 samples). More chromosome abnormalities are detected by conventional karyotyping compared to FISH or MLPA only (chromosome region specific techniques), and the same amount of abnormalities compared to QF-PCR (chromosome region specific techniques) and chromosomal-CGH and array-CGH (whole genome techniques) only. Molecular techniques could play a role as an additional technique when culture failure or maternal contamination occurs: recent studies show that by using array-CGH, an additional 5% of submicroscopic chromosome variants can be detected. Because of the small sample size as well as the unknown clinical relevance of these molecular aberrations, more and larger studies should be performed of submicroscopic chromosome abnormalities among sporadic miscarriage samples. For recurrent miscarriage samples molecular technique studies are relatively new. It has often been suggested that miscarriages are due to chromosomal abnormalities in more than 50%, but the present review has determined that chromosomal and submicroscopic genetic abnormalities on average are prevalent in maximally half of the miscarriage samples. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Molecular Genetics of Human Reproductive Failure.
Topics: Abortion, Spontaneous; Female; Humans; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Pregnancy
PubMed: 22796359
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2012.07.001 -
Lancet (London, England) May 2021The physical and psychological effect of miscarriage is commonly underappreciated. The journey from diagnosis of miscarriage, through clinical management, to supportive...
The physical and psychological effect of miscarriage is commonly underappreciated. The journey from diagnosis of miscarriage, through clinical management, to supportive aftercare can be challenging for women, their partners, and caregivers. Diagnostic challenges can lead to delayed or ineffective care and increased anxiety. Inaccurate diagnosis of a miscarriage can result in the unintended termination of a wanted pregnancy. Uncertainty about the therapeutic effects of interventions can lead to suboptimal care, with variations across facilities and countries. For this Series paper, we have developed recommendations for practice from a literature review, appraisal of guidelines, and expert group discussions. The recommendations are grouped into three categories: (1) diagnosis of miscarriage, (2) prevention of miscarriage in women with early pregnancy bleeding, and (3) management of miscarriage. We recommend that every country reports annual aggregate miscarriage data, similarly to the reporting of stillbirth. Early pregnancy services need to focus on providing an effective ultrasound service, as it is central to the diagnosis of miscarriage, and be able to provide expectant management of miscarriage, medical management with mifepristone and misoprostol, and surgical management with manual vacuum aspiration. Women with the dual risk factors of early pregnancy bleeding and a history of previous miscarriage can be recommended vaginal micronised progesterone to improve the prospects of livebirth. We urge health-care funders and providers to invest in early pregnancy care, with specific focus on training for clinical nurse specialists and doctors to provide comprehensive miscarriage care within the setting of dedicated early pregnancy units.
Topics: Abortion, Spontaneous; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Prenatal Care; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 33915095
DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00683-8 -
Best Practice & Research. Clinical... Aug 2009Miscarriage is the most common serious pregnancy complication affecting approximately 30% of biochemical pregnancies and 11-20% of clinically recognised pregnancies. The...
Miscarriage is the most common serious pregnancy complication affecting approximately 30% of biochemical pregnancies and 11-20% of clinically recognised pregnancies. The diagnosis of miscarriage is made most commonly by trans-vaginal ultrasound (TVS) assessment. Evidence-based criteria should be employed for the diagnosis of delayed and incomplete miscarriage. Complete miscarriage should not be diagnosed with TVS alone without serial biochemical confirmation (unless an intrauterine gestation sac has previously been visualised). After a clinical assessment suggesting complete miscarriage, 45% of women will have retained tissue on ultrasound, whilst women with an ultrasound scan showing an empty uterus with a history suggestive of miscarriage will be found to have an ectopic pregnancy in 6% of cases. Prediction of the diagnosis of miscarriage using maternal history and ultrasound features may be helpful in counselling women towards likely pregnancy outcome and planning appropriate further assessment. Use of three-dimensional ultrasound has not improved diagnosis of miscarriage. After a diagnosis of miscarriage, half the women undergo significant psychological effects, which may last for up to 12 months.
Topics: Abortion, Incomplete; Abortion, Spontaneous; Continuity of Patient Care; Counseling; Female; Humans; Predictive Value of Tests; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Ectopic; Ultrasonography, Prenatal
PubMed: 19502113
DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2009.02.004 -
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica... Jul 2023According to a precautionary principle, it is recommended that pregnant women and women trying to conceive abstain from alcohol consumption. In this dose-response... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
According to a precautionary principle, it is recommended that pregnant women and women trying to conceive abstain from alcohol consumption. In this dose-response meta-analysis, we aimed to examine the association between alcohol consumption and binge drinking and the risk of miscarriage in the first and second trimesters.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Library in May 2022, without any language, geographic or time limitations. Cohort or case-control studies reporting dose-specific effects adjusting for maternal age and using separate risk assessments for first- and second-trimester miscarriages were included. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. This study is registered with PROSPERO, registration number CRD42020221070.
RESULTS
A total of 2124 articles were identified. Five articles met the inclusion criteria. Adjusted data from 153 619 women were included in the first-trimester analysis and data from 458 154 women in the second-trimester analysis. In the first and second trimesters, the risk of miscarriage increased by 7% (odds ratio [OR] 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.96-1.20) and 3% (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.99-1.08) for each additional drink per week, respectively, but not to a statistically significant degree. One article regarding binge drinking and the risk of miscarriage was found, which revealed no association between the variables in either the first or second trimester (OR 0.84 [95% CI 0.62-1.14] and OR 1.04 [95% CI 0.78-1.38]).
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis revealed no dose-dependent association between miscarriage risk and alcohol consumption, but further focused research is recommended. The research gap regarding miscarriage and binge drinking needs further investigation.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Abortion, Spontaneous; Pregnancy Trimester, Second; Binge Drinking; Alcohol Drinking; Maternal Age
PubMed: 37221907
DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14566 -
The British Journal of Psychiatry : the... Sep 2021Some psychiatric disorders have been associated with increased risk of miscarriage. However, there is a lack of studies considering a broader spectrum of psychiatric...
BACKGROUND
Some psychiatric disorders have been associated with increased risk of miscarriage. However, there is a lack of studies considering a broader spectrum of psychiatric disorders to clarify the role of common as opposed to independent mechanisms.
AIMS
To examine the risk of miscarriage among women diagnosed with psychiatric conditions.
METHOD
We studied registered pregnancies in Norway between 2010 and 2016 (n = 593 009). The birth registry captures pregnancies ending in gestational week 12 or later, and the patient and general practitioner databases were used to identify miscarriages and induced abortions before 12 gestational weeks. Odds ratios of miscarriage according to 12 psychiatric diagnoses were calculated by logistic regression.
CONCLUSIONS
A wide range of psychiatric disorders were associated with increased risk of miscarriage. The heightened risk of miscarriage among women diagnosed with psychiatric disorders highlights the need for awareness and surveillance of this risk group in antenatal care.
Topics: Abortion, Induced; Abortion, Spontaneous; Female; Humans; Mental Disorders; Pregnancy; Prenatal Care; Risk Factors
PubMed: 33448259
DOI: 10.1192/bjp.2020.259