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Chapter 15 - Investigation of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 April 2025

By
Hannan Al-Lamee  and
Janine Elson
Edited by
Roy G. Farquharson ,
Mary D. Stephenson  and
Mariëtte Goddijn
Roy G. Farquharson
Affiliation:
Liverpool Women’s Hospital
Mary D. Stephenson
Affiliation:
University of Illinois, Chicago
Mariëtte Goddijn
Affiliation:
Amsterdam University Medical Centers
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Summary

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a distressing condition affecting around 1-2% of women, with no universally accepted definition and many unanswered questions remaining. Causes associated with RPL include chromosomal abnormalities, anatomical uterine defects, autoimmune disorders and endometrial dysfunction. Nevertheless, around 50% of women with RPL have unexplained aetiology. This results in highly challenging and complex cases for clinicians to manage and a significant psychological impact on the couples experiencing it. Although numerous tests and treatment options have been suggested over the years, the evidence surrounding some of them is weak at best and remain controversial. Here we discuss these investigations in more detail.

Keywords

Pregnancy lossrecurrent miscarriagerecurrent pregnancy lossinvestigationantiphospholipid syndromeearly pregnancypregnancy outcomes
Type
Chapter
Information
Early Pregnancy , pp. 153 - 161
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2025

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