Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

RPL has been associated with multiple causes:

1. Genetic: There may be abnormalities in the parents’ chromosomes not manifested in their physical characteristics; this predisposes them to form embryos with genetic alterations incompatible with life, which results in early miscarriage. The most frequent of these are translocations, in which a chromosome fragment breaks off and attaches to another chromosome. Genetic alterations in embryos can also occur spontaneously in couples with no predisposition. In fertilization, a perfect union and combination of the genes of the ovum and sperm is required to allow for proper embryonic development; if any alteration in this process occurs spontaneously, the result is often a gestational loss.
2. Uterine: Early developing embryos are fairly demanding of the environment in which they will be implanted to continue their growth and development. Suppose any alteration in the uterine cavity affects the physical and biochemical conditions necessary for implantation. In that case, it simply does not occur or occurs in a defective manner, hindering the normal development of the placenta and the pregnancy. Alterations of the uterine cavity can be from birth (Mullerian malformations), such as partitions that separate the uterine cavity in two and uteruses with two separate bodies, among other abnormalities. Other alterations are acquired, such as the growth of uterine tumors called myomas or polyps, the repercussions of intrauterine infections, or surgical procedures called synechiae. The inability of the neck of the uterus (cervix) to contain the pregnancy can also cause recurrent loss during the second trimester of pregnancy.
3. Immunological. The immune system, which usually produces proteins known as antibodies that attack and destroy agents foreign to the organism, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses, may suffer an imbalance and thus produce antibodies against the organism’s own components. In some cases, these components are structures known as phospholipids, which regulate blood coagulation. These antibodies are known as antiphospholipid antibodies, among which the most important are anticardiolipin antibodies, lupus anticoagulants, and Beta 2 glycoprotein. Their presence generates a state of hypercoagulability of the blood that causes the formation of small thrombi in the placenta and recurrent pregnancy loss. This is known as antiphospholipid syndrome.
4. Endocrine. Some pathologies that have to do with the alteration in the production of hormones in the organism can generate recurrent pregnancy losses. Those with the most evident association are thyroid disorders, diabetes, impaired prolactin secretion, and decreased ability of the ovary to produce progesterone, in what is known as corpus luteum insufficiency.
5. Infectious cases. Some infections, mainly viral, can lead to an isolated case of pregnancy loss. However, none of them have been proven to cause recurrent pregnancy loss.

To analyze this condition, the specialist must do a complete study that includes tests such as:

1. Karyotype: a test that allows the analysis of the paternal and maternal chromosomes (structures in the nucleus of the cells, in which the genetic material or DNA is contained).
2. Maternal blood test for measurement of hormones and analysis of immunological factors.
3. Evaluation of the uterine cavity: The method of evaluation will be defined by the specialist according to each case and therefore consider the best risk and benefits profile for the patient.
4. Hysteroscopy: introducing a lens into the uterus via the vagina to visualize the uterine cavity in real-time.
5. Hysterosonography: Infusion of sterile saline solution into the uterine cavity via the vagina, using it as a means of distension for evaluation by transvaginal ultrasound.
6. Hysterosalpingography: an injection of liquid into the uterine cavity through the vagina, using it as a contrast medium to evaluate it employing X-rays.

After a comprehensive study of couples with RPL, a clear cause for it is found in 50% of the couples. In the remaining 50%, no causes were found, known as idiopathic RPL.

Many of the previously mentioned causes are responsive to successful management through different types of treatments such as correction and control of hormonal disorders, use of medications to decrease the tendency to form blood clots, surgical correction of uterine disorders, supplementation early in pregnancy with exogenous progesterone and the use of in vitro fertilization with genetic analysis of the embryos before transfer to the uterus.

In cases of idiopathic RPL, even though no cause is detected, the prognosis for these couples is excellent. Scientific evidence has shown that up to 80% of these couples can have a full-term baby without medical treatment.