Middle Eastern obstetricians renew focus on management techniques for threatened abortion

Dubai, UAE: Spontaneous abortion or miscarriage is the most common complication of early pregnancy for women in the Middle East. Global figures suggest that this happens in 10% to 15% of pregnancies depending on maternal age . This outcome is often preceded by a clinical condition known as threatened abortion, where the patient presents with bleeding in the setting of otherwise reassuring features such as closed cervix and viable fetus.

Dr Fadi Mirza, Assistant Professor and Director of Medical Staff Affairs, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon, and Adjunct Assistant Professor, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, USA will be outlining the latest research on this topic at The Obs-Gyne Exhibition & Conference from 30 March-1 April 2014 at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, UAE.

Numerous risk factors have been linked to miscarriage, including history of miscarriage, advanced maternal age, heavy smoking, and maternal diseases like diabetes, maternal infections, and congenital uterine anomalies.

“Although not all cases of threatened abortion culminate in a miscarriage, this time period may be the source of significant distress to both the prospective mother and her healthcare provider. A number of interventions have been suggested in an attempt to prevent a miscarriage if a patient is presented with a clinical picture of threatened abortion. Prescribing bed rest and progesterone supplementation to women presenting with threatened abortion is a common practice among obstetricians,” commented Dr Mirza.

The use of ultrasound scans in the management of bleeding in early pregnancy has improved the diagnosis and management, as attempts to maintain a pregnancy are likely to be effective only if the fetus is viable and has no chromosomal abnormalities. Progesterone is an essential hormone both for establishing and maintaining pregnancy. It is therefore a possible treatment for threatened miscarriage .

“There is insufficient evidence of high quality that supports bed rest for prevention of miscarriage in women presenting with threatened abortion. This practice should be used with caution, given the potential harm that can result from bed rest in pregnancy. Additionally, with regards to treatment methods in the Middle East, there haven’t been any major changes over time as the treatments remained standard,” says Dr Mirza.

Organised by Informa Life Sciences Exhibitions, the Obs-Gyne Exhibition & Congress will witness the largest gathering of obstetricians and gynaecologists in the Middle East. The endeavour aims to keep women’s health professionals, both in the UAE and the region, updated on the latest technologies and medical advancements in the field.  The exhibition will showcase more than 54 exhibiting companies from 20 countries including industry giants such Roche, American Hospital Dubai, and Bayer Healthcare.