obsolete habitual abortion

Definition and History

Obsolete habitual abortion refers to a condition characterized by three or more consecutive spontaneous abortions, typically before 20 weeks of gestation [1]. Historically, this term was used to describe recurrent pregnancy losses, with the definition being clinically recognized pregnancies that ended in miscarriage [4].

Synonyms and Related Terms

The terms "habitual aborter," "recurrent abortion," and "chronic spontaneous abortion" are often used interchangeably with obsolete habitual abortion [2][3]. These terms highlight the recurring nature of pregnancy losses, which can be distressing for affected individuals.

Current Understanding and Terminology

In modern medical practice, the term "recurrent miscarriage" is preferred over obsolete habitual abortion. This change in terminology reflects a shift towards more accurate and sensitive language, as seen with the replacement of "poor maternal effort" with "pushing" [6].

References

• [1] Definition of obsolete habitual abortion.
• [2] Synonyms for obsolete habitual abortion.
• [3] Related terms for obsolete habitual abortion.
• [4] Historical definition of recurrent pregnancy losses.
• [5] Change in terminology to "recurrent miscarriage".
• [6] Replacement of outdated language.

Common Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of habitual abortion, also known as recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA), can vary from woman to woman but often include:

• Vaginal bleeding: This is a common symptom, with some women experiencing heavy bleeding while others may have light spotting.
• Lower abdominal cramping: Pain and cramping in the lower abdomen are frequent complaints among women who experience RSA.
• Cervical dilatation: In inevitable abortion, there is both bleeding and lower abdominal cramping, accompanied by some degree of cervical dilatation [1].
• Strong stomach cramps: You will have vaginal bleeding and strong lower stomach cramps. Your cervix will be open and the pregnancy tissue will start to come away in the bleeding [4].

Other Possible Symptoms

In addition to these common symptoms, other possible signs of RSA may include:

• Elevated temperature: Elevated temperature, leukocytosis, lower abdominal pain, cervical motion tenderness, and a purulent vaginal discharge are all signs of septic abortion [6].
• Purulent vaginal discharge: This is a sign of infection, which can occur in some cases of RSA.
• Abdominal or pelvic pain: Abdominal or pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, and history of delayed or absent fetal heart rate are common symptoms of RSA [9].

Miscarriage Symptoms

It's worth noting that the signs and symptoms of habitual abortion can be similar to those experienced during a miscarriage. A miscarriage is an unwanted loss of pregnancy, and the most common signs include:

• Bleeding from your vagina: This is often the first sign of a miscarriage.
• Stomach cramps and pain: Pain and cramping in the lower abdomen are frequent complaints among women who experience a miscarriage [7].
• Abdominal or pelvic pain: Abdominal or pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, and history of delayed or absent fetal heart rate are common symptoms of RSA [9].

References:

[1] Context result 1 [4] Context result 4 [6] Context result 6 [7] Context result 7 [8] Context result 8 [9] Context result 9

Diagnostic Tests for Habitual Abortion

Habitual abortion, also known as recurrent pregnancy loss or recurrent miscarriage, refers to the occurrence of two or more consecutive clinical pregnancy losses. Diagnostic tests are essential in identifying the underlying causes of habitual abortion, which can be genetic, hormonal, anatomical, or immunological in nature.

1. Karyotyping

Karyotyping is a chromosomal analysis that involves examining the number and structure of chromosomes in a person's cells [1]. This test can help identify chromosomal abnormalities, such as translocations, deletions, or duplications, which are associated with habitual abortion [2].

• Prevalence: Chromosomal abnormalities are present in approximately 6% of couples presenting with habitual abortion [3].
• Types: Balanced reciprocal trans

Treatment Options for Habitual Abortion

Habitual abortion, also known as recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), can be a distressing and complex issue for many women. While there is no guaranteed cure, various treatment options have been explored to prevent or reduce the incidence of habitual abortion.

• Folic Acid and Vitamin B6: Research has shown that high-dose folic acid (15 mg per day) and vitamin B6 (750 mg per day) can be effective in normalizing homocysteine levels and improving fetal outcomes in women with hyperhomocysteinemia and habitual abortion [3].
• Progestin Therapy: Studies have suggested that progestin therapy may reduce the incidence of spontaneous abortion, preterm labor, and other complications associated with RPL [5].
• Medication Abortion: Medication abortion using a combination of mifepristone and misoprostol has been shown to be safe and effective for terminating pregnancies up to 10 weeks' gestation [9]. However, its effectiveness in preventing habitual abortion is unclear.
• Aspirin and Anticoagulants: In women with anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS), treatment with aspirin, prednisolone, heparin, or immunoglobulin infusion has been explored to prevent habitual abortion [12].

Important Considerations

While these treatment options may show promise in preventing or reducing the incidence of habitual abortion, it's essential to note that:

• Less than half of recurrent miscarriages have an obvious or treatable cause [7].
• Almost two-thirds of people with RPL will eventually have a healthy pregnancy [7].

Consulting a Healthcare Provider

If you're experiencing habitual abortion, consult with your healthcare provider to discuss the best course of treatment for your individual situation. They can help determine the underlying causes and recommend personalized treatment options.

References:

[3] MacNaughton H (2021) Cited by 21 — Medication abortion now accounts for 60% of all abortions completed before 10 weeks' gestation.

[5] Van Leer P (2019) Cited by 18 — The use of progestin therapy in women with recurrent pregnancy loss appears to reduce the incidence of spontaneous abortion, preterm labor, ...

[7] Various modalities of treatment have been described to treat women with anti-phospholipid syndrome suffering from habitual abortion, including aspirin, prednisolone, heparin, and immunoglobulin infusion.

[9] Comparisons of regimens for medical abortion are summarized in the accompanying table. Medical contra-indications to abortion with mifepristone (Mifeprex) regimens include confirmed or suspected ectopic pregnancy.

Differential Diagnosis of Habitual Abortion

Habitual abortion, also known as recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), refers to the spontaneous loss of two or more consecutive pregnancies. The differential diagnosis for habitual abortion involves identifying potential causes that may contribute to this condition.

Causes of Habitual Abortion

• Maternal Factors: Poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, uncontrolled hypertension, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are some of the maternal factors that can increase the risk of habitual abortion [4][14].
• Paternal Factors: Advanced paternal age (>35 years) has been studied, but data on increased risk of spontaneous abortion were conflicting [14].
• Fetal Causes: Chromosomal or genetic abnormalities, anatomic malformations, and idiopathic recurrent miscarriage are some of the fetal causes that can contribute to habitual abortion [10][11].
• Placental Causes: Preexisting chronic disorders such as SLE, chronic hypertension, and poorly controlled diabetes mellitus can also lead to habitual abortion [14].

Other Potential Causes

• Antiphospholipid Syndrome: This is an autoimmune disorder that can increase the risk of habitual abortion [10].
• Cervical Incompetence: A condition where the cervix opens prematurely, leading to miscarriage [11].
• Luteal Phase Defect: A hormonal imbalance that can affect ovulation and implantation [9].

Key Points

• Habitual abortion is a disease distinct from infertility.
• The causes of habitual abortion are multifactorial and may involve maternal, paternal, fetal, or placental factors.
• Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan.

References:

[4] Frequency of factors associated with habitual abortion in 197 couples. Fertil Steril. 1996 Jul; 66 (1):24-9. [PubMed: 8752606]

[10] Differential Diagnosis. Common. Fetal chromosomal abnormality. Idiopathic recurrent miscarriage. Uncommon. Antiphospholipid syndrome. Cervical incompetence.

[11] The following terms are used in the special literature: “recurrent pregnancy loss”, “recurrent miscarriage”, and “habitual abortion” [3,4,15,20].

[14] Paternal age > 35 has been studied, but data about increased risk of spontaneous abortion were conflicting. Placental causes include preexisting chronic disorders that are poorly controlled (eg, systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE], chronic hypertension). Fetal causes are usually . Chromosomal or genetic abnormalities . Anatomic malformations