Fetal pathology in second-trimester miscarriages

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to analyze, based upon autopsy, the main characteristics of miscarriages in the second trimester.

Methods: We have processed the results of fetopathological investigations of 544 aborted fetuses resulting from 486 second-trimester miscarriages.

Results: Malformation could be identified in 13.05% of all cases. In almost one third of the patients there was a positive history. In the cases having a malformation, expressed dominance of male fetuses could be observed. Among the fetopathologically identified malformations, 49 were isolated. The most common was the single umbilical artery (22.4%). In 1.3% of the cases a chromosome aberration was verified.

Conclusion: Miscarriage in pregnancies complicated by a malformation occurs approximately 3 weeks earlier than in cases without a confirmed malformation. There is practically no difference between affected and unaffected miscarriages as far as the cumulative ratio of positive history is concerned. A single umbilical artery alone predisposes to miscarriage, while in association with other malformations it may result from chromosome aberration.