Etiologic factors of recurrent abortion and subsequent reproductive performance of couples: have we made any progress in the past 10 years?

OBJECTIVES

We hypothesize that the diagnostic yield and pregnancy outcomes of patients with recurrent abortion have improved over the past 10 years.

STUDY DESIGN

The study was performed in an academic medical center. Diagnoses and outcomes for group A, a published series of 100 patients investigated for recurrent abortion in the section between 1968 and 1977, was compared with those for group B, the 131 patients seen between 1987 and 1991. A standardized protocol was followed, enhanced by new techniques and autoimmune investigations in the latter group. Results were compiled retrospectively. Descriptive statistics and chi 2 analysis were used.

RESULTS

No cause could be found in 37% of patients in group A compared with 24% of couples in group B (p less than 0.05). No clear difference could be shown in the subsequent outcomes of pregnancies.

CONCLUSIONS

Our ability to establish a cause of recurrent abortion has improved slightly over the past 15 years. The gain is not yet reflected in successful pregnancy rates. Multicenter trials are indicated.