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Diagnosis and Management of Pregnancy Loss

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  • First Online:
Handbook of Gynecology

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Abstract

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a multifactorial condition encompassing physical and emotional burdens. Several risk factors contribute to spontaneous miscarriage, most commonly through previous history and chromosomal abnormalities. Other etiologies include uterine anomalies, immunologic and endocrine factors, thrombophilias, and environmental pathogens. However, approximately half of all patients with spontaneous pregnancy loss have no reason for these miscarriages (ACOG practice bulletin, 2001). Those who experience two or more consecutive losses warrant further evaluation. Assessment of each patient starts with a comprehensive history and physical examination, karyotype testing, imaging of the pelvic structures, and detailed medical workup of possible conditions. If a definite cause is identified, treatment is focused on correcting the abnormality. Psychological support may be crucial and even therapeutic; patients should be comforted that a subsequent live birth is possible with great success.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine/Jackson Health System, Miami, FL, USA

    Kavitha Krishnamoorthy

  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Jackson Health System, Miami, FL, USA

    Youssef Mouhayar

Authors
  1. Kavitha Krishnamoorthy
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  2. Youssef Mouhayar
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Correspondence to Kavitha Krishnamoorthy .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA

    Donna Shoupe

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Krishnamoorthy, K., Mouhayar, Y. (2017). Diagnosis and Management of Pregnancy Loss. In: Shoupe, D. (eds) Handbook of Gynecology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-17798-4_31

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-17798-4_31

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-17797-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-17798-4

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