Recurrent pregnancy loss: evaluation and treatment

Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2015 Mar;42(1):117-34. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2014.10.002.

Abstract

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a multifactorial condition. Approximately half of patients with RPL will have no explanation for their miscarriages. De novo chromosome abnormalities are common in sporadic and recurrent pregnancy loss. Testing for embryonic abnormalities can provide an explanation for the miscarriage in many cases and prognostic information. Regardless of the cause of RPL, patients should be reassured that the prognosis for live birth with an evidence-based approach is excellent for most patients. The authors review current evidence for the evaluation and treatment of RPL and explore the proposed use of newer technology for patients with RPL.

Keywords: Recurrent embryonic loss; Recurrent fetal loss; Recurrent miscarriage; Recurrent pregnancy loss.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Habitual / diagnosis*
  • Abortion, Habitual / etiology
  • Abortion, Habitual / prevention & control
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / complications
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Chromosome Aberrations / embryology*
  • Embryo Loss / diagnosis*
  • Embryo Loss / etiology
  • Embryo Loss / prevention & control
  • Female
  • Genetic Counseling
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Trimester, First
  • Prognosis
  • Uterine Cervical Incompetence / diagnosis*
  • Uterine Cervical Incompetence / physiopathology