Evaluation and Management of Women who Have Experienced Stillbirth in Their Previous Pregnancies

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21613/GORM.2018.892

Keywords:

Autoimmunity, Hereditary thrombophilia, MTHFR polymorphisms, Pregnancy, Stillbirth

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the subsequent pregnancy outcomes of women who have experienced unexplained stillbirth in their previous gestations.

Study Design: This retrospective cohort consisted of 14 pregnancies who had stillbirth (without known risk factors) in their previous pregnancies. These patients had been included in a special preconceptional care program to be evaluated in terms of etiological risk factors for stillbirth. At least one of the risk factors, such as methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms, hereditary thrombophilias and autoimmune problems, were defined in this study population. After detection of pregnancy, the patients were administered low-dose low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) (enoxaparin, 1×2000 Anti-XA IU/0.2 mL/day), low-dose salicylic acid (100 mg/day) and low-dose corticosteroid (methylprednisolone, 1×4 mg/day orally) in necessary cases.

Results: Out of 14 pregnancies, 4 (28.5%) ended up with miscarriages at 9, 11, 11 and 15 gestational weeks, respectively. The remaining 10 pregnancies ended up with alive deliveries. The mean gestational week at birth was 36.4±0.51, while the mean birthweight was 2882±381.01 g. Out of 10 pregnancies, only one was diagnosed as IUGR. Only two newborn necessitated hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) due to respiratory problems. Both newborns were discharged from the NICU without any further complication at the post-partum 5th day.

Conclusion: Patients with a prior stillbirth should be screened for MTHFR polymorphisms, autoimmune problems and hereditary thrombophilias, especially in case of absence of any etiological factor. Management of these patients with low-dose aspirin, low-dose low molecular weight heparin and corticosteroids seemed to be beneficial for increasing live birth rates and avoiding obstetric complications.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

Atakan Tanacan, Hacettepe University Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Perinatology Division

M.D.

Hacettepe University Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Perinatology Division

Canan Unal, Hacettepe University Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Perinatology Division

M.D.

Hacettepe University Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Perinatology Division

Mehmet Sinan Beksac, Hacettepe University Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Perinatology Division

Professor.

Hacettepe University Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Perinatology Division

Downloads

Published

2021-04-16

How to Cite

1.
Fadiloglu E, Tanacan A, Unal C, Beksac MS. Evaluation and Management of Women who Have Experienced Stillbirth in Their Previous Pregnancies. Gynecol Obstet Reprod Med [Internet]. 2021Apr.16 [cited 2024Mar.29];27(1):40-3. Available from: https://gorm.com.tr/index.php/GORM/article/view/892

Issue

Section

Obstetrics; Maternal Fetal Medicine and Perinatology