It is known that overall 15% of all recognized pregnancies end in miscarriage. Recurrent miscarriage is diagnosed when a woman miscarries 3 consecutive times, before 20 weeks gestation.
What factors make one prone to recurrent miscarriage?
- Autoimmune diseases: diseases that affect placental function and disturb early implantation.
- Chromosome problems: here, both parents are fine, but when their genes are put together, an unusual gene mismatch occurs that may result in miscarriage.
- Genetic predispositions for thrombophilias.
- Maternal infections that may be passed onto the fetus.
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCO)
- Thyroid hormone imbalances.
What laboratory investigations can be done?
- Autoimmune tests: ANA, Cardiolipin Antibodies, Lupus
- Anti-coagulant and TPO.
- Chromosomal testing: parental blood karyotyping and (fetal miscarriage tissue where applicable).
- Tests for thrombophilias: Factor V Leiden, Factor II, MTHFR.
- Tests for infections: Rubella, CMV, Hepatitis B and C.
- Hormone profile for PCO: free testosterone and LH.
- Thyroid testing: TSH, T3, T4 and TPO.
- Blood group test for Rh factor compatibility for parents.
MedLabs’ Suggested Recurrent Miscarriage Panel
- Cardiolipin Antibodies
- Phospholipid Antibodies
- ANA/ENA
- Sperm Antibodies
- Anti-Thrombin III
- Lupus Anti-Coagulant
- Factor V Leiden (PCR)
- Factor II
- MTHFR
- TSH/TPO
- Protein S Free Antigen
- Protein C Functional
Physician consultation is recommended