OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value of histopathological
examination of products of conception in first trimester
abortion.
SETTINGS: University hospital.
DESIGN: Retrospective record review over 2 years, from
January 1999 to January 2001.
PATIENTS: A total number of 293 patients with the
diagnosis of first trimester abortion were admitted and their
abnormal pregnancy evacuated.
RESULTS: The highest type of abortion among the studied
group was incomplete abortion, 140 patients (48%), and surgical
evacuation was the most common method of termination, 202
patients (69%). The histopathology reports confirmed the
pregnancy in all patients and revealed partial mole in 51
patients (17%), undiagnosed abnormality in 8 patients (2.7%),
suggesting the possible cause for recurrent pregnancy loss in 4
patients (1.4%).
CONCLUSION: Histopathological assessment for the products
of conception proved to be an important tool in detecting molar
pregnancy and hydropic changes that necessitate special
follow-up protocol and unmasking ectopic pregnancies for further
management.
Institution
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jordan University
Hospital, P.O. Box 2756, Tela'a Al-Ali, 11953 Amman, Jordan.
kamilfram@hotmail.com |