Fetal pathology in second-trimester miscarriages.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to analyze, based upon autopsy, the main characteristics of miscarriages in the second trimester.

METHODS

We have processed the results of fetopathological investigations of 544 aborted fetuses resulting from 486 second-trimester miscarriages.

RESULTS

Malformation could be identified in 13.05% of all cases. In almost one third of the patients there was a positive history. In the cases having a malformation, expressed dominance of male fetuses could be observed. Among the fetopathologically identified malformations, 49 were isolated. The most common was the single umbilical artery (22.4%). In 1.3% of the cases a chromosome aberration was verified.

CONCLUSION

Miscarriage in pregnancies complicated by a malformation occurs approximately 3 weeks earlier than in cases without a confirmed malformation. There is practically no difference between affected and unaffected miscarriages as far as the cumulative ratio of positive history is concerned. A single umbilical artery alone predisposes to miscarriage, while in association with other malformations it may result from chromosome aberration.