Chromosomal analysis of the couple

A 26-year-old G3P0030 has had three consecutive spontaneous abortions in the first trimester. As part of an evaluation for this problem, which of the following tests is most appropriate in the evaluation of this patient?

  1. Hysterosalpingogram

2) Chromosomal analysis of the couple

  1. Cervical biopsy in the luteal phase

  2. Postcoital test

  3. Cervical length by ultrasonography

explanation

A major cause of spontaneous abortions in the first trimester is chromosomal abnormalities. The causes of losses in the second trimester are more likely to be uterine or environmental in origin. Patients should also be screened for thyroid function, diabetes mellitus, and collagen vascular disorders. There is also a correlation between patients with a positive lupus anticoagulant and recurrent miscarriages. For recurrent second-trimester losses, a hysterosalpingogram should be ordered to rule out uterine structural abnormalities, such as bicornuate uterus, septate uterus, or unicornuate uterus. Endometrial biopsy is performed to rule out an insufficiency of the luteal phase or evidence of chronic endometritis. A cervical biopsy would be of no value in the workup of recurrent pregnancy losses. A postcoital test is useful for couples who cannot conceive, but does not address postconception losses. Measuring the cervical length by ultrasonography is helpful in the management of patients with recurrent second-trimester losses caused by cervical incompetence.