Histological analysis of the products of conception following first trimester abortion at Jordan University Hospital

Objective: To evaluate the value of histopathological examination of products of conception in first trimester abortion. Settings: University hospital. Design: Retrospective record review over 2 years, from January 1999 to January 2001. Patients: A total number of 293 patients with the diagnosis of first trimester abortion were admitted and their abnormal pregnancy evacuated. Results: The highest type of abortion among the studied group was incomplete abortion, 140 patients (48%), and surgical evacuation was the most common method of termination, 202 patients (69%). The histopathology reports confirmed the pregnancy in all patients and revealed partial mole in 51 patients (17%), undiagnosed abnormality in 8 patients (2.7%), suggesting the possible cause for recurrent pregnancy loss in 4 patients (1.4%). Conclusion: Histopathological assessment for the products of conception proved to be an important tool in detecting molar pregnancy and hydropic changes that necessitate special follow-up protocol and unmasking ectopic pregnancies for further management.