Predictors of successful expectant and medical management of miscarriage: a systematic review
Author(s)
Murugesu, Sughashini
Braun, Emily
Saso, Srdjan
Bourne, Tom
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Introduction
15.3% of pregnancies result in miscarriage, management options include expectant, medical, or surgical. However, each patient has a range of variables, which makes navigating the available literature challenging when supporting individual patient decision-making. This systematic review aims to investigate whether there are any specific predictors for miscarriage management outcome.
Material and Methods
The following databases were searched, from the start of each database up to April 2023: PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria were studies interrogating defined predictors for expectant or medical management of miscarriage success. Exclusion criteria were poor quality, review articles, trial protocols, and congress abstracts. Data collection was carried as per PRISMA guidelines. Quality assessment for each study was assessed using the QUIPS proforma.
Results
Relevant predictors include demographics, ultrasound features, presenting symptoms, and biochemical markers. Across the 24 studies there is heterogeneity in miscarriage definition, predictors reported, and management outcomes used. Associations with certain variables and miscarriage management outcomes are described. Ten studies assessed the impact of miscarriage type on expectant and/or medical management. The majority found that a diagnosis of incomplete miscarriage had a higher success rate following expectant or medical management compared to missed miscarriage or anembryonic pregnancy.
Conclusions
We conclude that there is evidence supporting the possibility to offer personalized miscarriage management advice with case specific predictors. Further larger studies with consistent definitions of predictors, management, and outcomes are needed in order to better support women through the decision-making of miscarriage management.
15.3% of pregnancies result in miscarriage, management options include expectant, medical, or surgical. However, each patient has a range of variables, which makes navigating the available literature challenging when supporting individual patient decision-making. This systematic review aims to investigate whether there are any specific predictors for miscarriage management outcome.
Material and Methods
The following databases were searched, from the start of each database up to April 2023: PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria were studies interrogating defined predictors for expectant or medical management of miscarriage success. Exclusion criteria were poor quality, review articles, trial protocols, and congress abstracts. Data collection was carried as per PRISMA guidelines. Quality assessment for each study was assessed using the QUIPS proforma.
Results
Relevant predictors include demographics, ultrasound features, presenting symptoms, and biochemical markers. Across the 24 studies there is heterogeneity in miscarriage definition, predictors reported, and management outcomes used. Associations with certain variables and miscarriage management outcomes are described. Ten studies assessed the impact of miscarriage type on expectant and/or medical management. The majority found that a diagnosis of incomplete miscarriage had a higher success rate following expectant or medical management compared to missed miscarriage or anembryonic pregnancy.
Conclusions
We conclude that there is evidence supporting the possibility to offer personalized miscarriage management advice with case specific predictors. Further larger studies with consistent definitions of predictors, management, and outcomes are needed in order to better support women through the decision-making of miscarriage management.
Date Issued
2024-12
Date Acceptance
2024-07-15
Citation
Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 2024, 103 (12), pp.2348-2372
ISSN
0001-6349
Publisher
Wiley
Start Page
2348
End Page
2372
Journal / Book Title
Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica
Volume
103
Issue
12
Copyright Statement
© 2024 The Author(s). Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Nordic Federation of Societies of Obstetrics and Gynecology (NFOG). This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium,provided the original work is properly cited.
License URL
Identifier
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39119791
Subjects
early pregnancy
expectant management
medical management
miscarriage
miscarriage management
Publication Status
Published
Coverage Spatial
United States
Date Publish Online
2024-08-09