Authors: Ancel, Pierre-Yves¹; Saurel-Cubizolles, Marie-Josèphe¹; Di Renzo, Gian Carlo²; Papiernik, Emile³; Bréart, Gérard¹

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 15, Number 11, November 2000 , pp. 2426-2432(7)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

Data from a case–control survey in Europe, carried out between 1994 and 1997, were used to investigate the risk factors for spontaneous abortions at 14–21 weeks (late abortions), according to the vital status of the fetus before the onset of labour. Late abortions included 62 involving a fetus alive before the onset of labour, 216 late abortions of a fetus already dead, together with 4592 control pregnancies at term (≥37 weeks) from seven countries. Histories of induced abortion, spontaneous abortion and preterm birth were more closely associated with late abortion of a live fetus than with late abortion of a dead fetus. Women aged ≥35 years and women living alone had a much higher risk of late abortions than women aged 20–24 years and married women, regardless of the vital status of the fetus before labour. These results provide evidence that obstetric history and socio-demographic factors are risk factors for late abortions but differences are observed according to the vital status of the fetus before labour.

Keywords: case-control study; European survey; fetal status; late abortion; risk factors

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Unité de Recherches Epidémiologiques en Santé Périnatale et Santé des Femmes (INSERM, Unité 149), 16 avenue Paul Vaillant-Couturier 94807 Villejuif cedex, France, 2: Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy and 3: Université René Descartes, Service de Gynécologie Obstétrique de Port-Royal, 123 boulevard Port-Royal 75014 Paris, France

Publication date: 2000-11-01

More about this publication?

• Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Anatomy & Physiology ,  Obstetrics & Gynecology
• By this author: Ancel, Pierre-Yves ;  Saurel-Cubizolles, Marie-Josèphe ;  Di Renzo, Gian Carlo ;  Papiernik, Emile ;  Bréart, Gérard

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers