Recurrent spontaneous abortion--aetiological factors and subsequent reproductive performance in 76 couples

A diagnostic screening programme identified a possible aetiological factor in 32 of 76 couples (42%) evaluated for recurrent spontaneous abortion (three or more consecutive abortions). The abnormalities most commonly observed were endocervical infections (18%), cervical incompetence (11%) and uterine abnormality (9%). Hypothyroidism was present in 3 women and chromosomal abnormality in 2. None were positive for lupus anticoagulant. Treatment of uterine abnormality and cervical incompetence was associated with 75% and 86% success rates, respectively, whereas treatment of infective causes resulted in a 44% successful pregnancy rate, much the same as the 42% rate that occurred in women who had not been thus treated.