Introduction To Abortion Flashcards
What is Abortion?
Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy by either expulsion or extraction before 28 weeks of gestation and when fetal weight < 1000g
Abortion can either be?
Spontaneous (Miscarriage which is 10%-15%) OR Artificial (Induced)
When do early abortions occur?
<12 weeks
When does late abortion occur?
> 12 weeks
Aetiology of Abortion:
- Hereditary
- Uterine abnormalities
- Infections
- Endocrine disorders
- Immunological factors
The commonest cause of spontaneous abortions is
Chromosomal abnormality
The two categories of chromosomal abnormalities that may cause spontaneous abortions are:
- Numerical (autosomal trisomies polyploidy) e.g Trisomy 16, Monosomy X (Turner’s syndrome)
- Structural : Parental chromosomal abnormalities e.g balanced translocation.
Chromosomal abnormalities cause how many percent of early abortions?
50-60%
Uterine abnormalities that can cause abortion are either?
Congenital Uterine deformities and Acquired
Examples of congenital Uterine deformities that can cause abortions are?
Hypoplastic Uterus
Double uterus
Longitudinal Uterine Septum
Examples of acquired uterine abnormalities that can lead to abortion?
- Cervical incompetence
- Pelvic tumors (e.g uterine myoma and ovarian tumor)
What infections can lead to abortions?
- Bacteria, toxin and viruses getting into fetal blood.
- Systemic infections like malaria and pyelonephritis
- Local infections like UTI and Bacterial vaginosis
What endocrine disorders can cause abortions?
Hypo/Hyperthyroidism
Hypofunction of the corpus luteum (luteal phase dysfunction)
What immunological factors can cause abortions?
- APS
- Blood type incompatibility between mother and fetus - Rh & ABO
Types of abortions
Threatened abortion
Inevitable abortion
Complete abortion
Incomplete abortion
Missed abortion