INDICATIONS FOR EXAMINATION OF SPONTANEOUS-ABORTION SPECIMENS - A REASSESSMENT

The clinical evaluation of recurrent pregnancy loss is assessed in lig ht of recent technical advances in trophoblast culture, ultrasonograph y, and chromosome analysis. With an algorithm based on karyotype resul ts, cost-benefit calculations confirm that an average savings of $1099 .47 per patient could be achieved if a policy of karyotype analysis of recurrent abortion specimens was emphasized. It is estimated that a s pecific chromosomal cause could be identified in 45% to 70% of such ca ses. A more concerted effort should be made to culture trophoblast tis sue from recurrent pregnancy losses; such a policy would result in bot h emotional and financial rewards.