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Missed abortion: still appropriate terminology?
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago Lying-In Hospital, IL 60637.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|August 1, 1989
Summary
The term "missed abortion" is outdated for early pregnancy loss. Researchers suggest replacing it with more precise terms like "intrauterine fetal death" or "anembryonic gestation" for better clarity.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Medical Terminology
Background:
- The term "missed abortion" has been used for over a century in obstetric literature.
- Its traditional definition (fetal demise without expulsion for ≥8 weeks) is rarely applicable with modern ultrasound.
- The term is still widely used for early pregnancy losses, causing confusion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the continued use of the term "missed abortion" in contemporary obstetric practice.
- To propose more accurate and descriptive terminology for early pregnancy failures.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of the historical use of "missed abortion".
- Analysis of current obstetric terminology and diagnostic criteria.
- Clinical relevance assessment of existing and proposed terms.
Main Results:
- The textbook definition of missed abortion is seldom met in current clinical scenarios due to early diagnosis via ultrasound.
- The term "missed abortion" is frequently applied inaccurately to various early pregnancy loss types.
- Existing terminology lacks precision in describing distinct early pregnancy failure outcomes.
Conclusions:
- The term "missed abortion" should be abandoned due to its ambiguity and infrequent application of its definition.
- Recommended alternative terms include "first trimester intrauterine fetal death," "second trimester intrauterine fetal death," and "anembryonic gestation."
- Adoption of these precise terms will improve clinical communication and patient understanding.