Histological analysis of the products of conception following first trimester abortion at Jordan University Hospital.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the value of histopathological examination of products of conception in first trimester abortion.

SETTINGS: University hospital.

DESIGN

Retrospective record review over 2 years, from January 1999 to January 2001.

PATIENTS: A total number of 293 patients with the diagnosis of first trimester abortion were admitted and their abnormal pregnancy evacuated.

RESULTS

The highest type of abortion among the studied group was incomplete abortion, 140 patients (48%), and surgical evacuation was the most common method of termination, 202 patients (69%). The histopathology reports confirmed the pregnancy in all patients and revealed partial mole in 51 patients (17%), undiagnosed abnormality in 8 patients (2.7%), suggesting the possible cause for recurrent pregnancy loss in 4 patients (1.4%).

CONCLUSION

Histopathological assessment for the products of conception proved to be an important tool in detecting molar pregnancy and hydropic changes that necessitate special follow-up protocol and unmasking ectopic pregnancies for further management.