In a nutshell
This study researched the role of different infections in miscarriage. The study concluded that a number of infections were associated with miscarriage.
Some background
Pregnancy loss before 12 weeks is called early miscarriage. Pregnancy loss between 12 and 24 weeks is called late miscarriage.
Early miscarriage occurs in one in five pregnancies. Late miscarriage occurs in 1-2% of patients. Miscarriage can cause pain and bleeding, and feelings of loss and grief in the patient. Miscarriage also significantly increases health costs.
Treatable infections are thought to cause up to 15% of early miscarriages and up to 6% of late miscarriages. Currently, checking for infections in early pregnancy is inconsistent. The connection between infections and miscarriage, and how infections can cause miscarriage, is unclear.
Methods & findings
This analysis examined the connection between different types of infections and miscarriage. The results of 44 studies were reviewed.
Bacterial vaginosis is a common infection caused by an imbalance of the bacteria that normally live in the vagina. Women with this infection may not have any symptoms, or may show increased vaginal discharge with a fishy oder. Multiple studies found an association between bacterial vaginosis and miscarriage, with one study reporting that the infection led to 6.6 times the risk of miscarriage. A separate review determined that antibiotic treatment for bacterial vaginosis decreased the risk of late miscarriage by 80%.
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and a common type of herpes virus, cytomegalovirus (CMV), have also been associated with the risk of miscarriage, as has malaria and dengue fever.
Other infections, such as hepatitis C (an infection of the liver) and Mycoplasma genitalium (a bacterial infection that can lead to inflammation of the cervix or pelvis) were not associated with miscarriage.
The association between many common sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia, human papillomavirus (HPV), and herpes simplex virus, and miscarriage is unclear. The association between toxoplasmosis (a virus transmitted through cat feces that can be spread from a pregnant woman to the baby) and hepatitis B (an infection of the liver) and miscarriage is also not yet understood.
The bottom line
The study concluded that more understanding is needed of he role of infection in miscarriage. The authors also suggested that checking pregnant women for certain infections might reduce the number of miscarriages.
The fine print
The definition of terms such as 'miscarriage' were inconsistent in the different research papers.
What’s next?
If you are considering becoming pregnant, you should discuss these results with your doctor.
Published By :
Human Reproduction Update
Date :
Sep 19, 2015
