Second-trimester Abortion Research Articles

Chronic Inversion of Uterus Following Spontaneous Abortion: A Case Report

Uterine inversion is a rare entity but poses a serious threat if not diagnosed and managed timely. Here we present a case of chronic uterine inversion in a 30-year-old lady who presented in emergency with a mass coming out per vagina, blood mixed vaginal discharge, and lower pain abdomen for the last 15 days. She underwent laparotomy and was found to have uterine inversion. The patient was attempted for repositioning of uterus with the Huntington’s approach, but it was unsuccessful, hence Haultain’s operation was done with a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingectomy with right-sided ovarian cystectomy for a dermoid cyst. Our case emphasizes the importance of keeping chronic uterine inversion as a differential diagnosis in women presenting with pain abdomen, mass, and bleeding per vagina, and with a recent history of second-trimester abortion. Timely recognition, especially in chronic inversion, will decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with this rare but life-threatening condition.

Twenty Years of the Ryan Residency Training Program in Abortion and Family Planning

ObjectiveTo summarize the effects of routine, opt-out abortion and family planning residency training on obstetrics and gynecology (ob-gyn) residents’ clinical skills in uterine evacuation and intentions to provide abortion care after residency. MethodsData from ob-gyn residency programs supported during the first 20 years of the Kenneth J. Ryan Residency Training Program in Abortion and Family Planning were analyzed. Postrotation surveys assessed residents’ training experiences and acquisition of abortion care skills. Residency program director surveys assessed benefits of the training to residents and the academic department from the educators’ perspectives. ResultsA total of 2775 residents in 89 ob-gyn programs completed postrotation surveys for a response rate of 72%. During the rotation, residents – including those who only partially participated – gained exposure to and skills in first- and second-trimester abortion care. Sixty-one percent intended to provide abortion care in their postresidency practice. More than 90% of residency program directors (97.5% response rate) reported that training improved resident competence in abortion and contraception care and 81.3% reported that the training increased their own program's appeal to residency applicants. ConclusionOver 20 years, the Ryan Program has supported programs to integrate abortion training to give ob-gyn residents the skills and inspiration to provide comprehensive reproductive health care, including uterine evacuation and abortion care, in future practice. Residency program directors noted that this integrated training meets resident applicants’ expectations. ImplicationsRyan Program residents are trained to competence and are prepared, both clinically and in their professional attitudes, to care for women's reproductive health.

A single-blinded randomized controlled trial evaluating pain and opioid use after dilator placement for second-trimester abortion

ObjectivesTo compare pain levels and medication needs after placement of laminaria vs Dilapan-S, and after dilation and evacuation (D&E). Study DesignWe conducted a single-blinded randomized control trial of patients undergoing D&E at 15 0/7 to 23 6/7 weeks gestation, randomizing to cervical preparation with laminaria or Dilapan-S. We compared pain levels and medication usage following dilator placement (5 minutes; 2, 4, and 8 hours; the following morning) and D&E (1, 4, 24, and 48 hours). Our primary outcome was median change from baseline pain, and secondary outcomes included maximum pain timing and overall narcotic use. We compared baseline characteristics, median pain increases and quantities of narcotics used. ResultsWe analyzed 67 participants with laminaria (n = 34) and Dilapan-S (n = 33). More Dilapan-S users had a prior vaginal delivery (n = 20, 60.6%) than laminaria users (n = 11, 32.4%), p = 0.02. Maximum median pain was not statistically different (Laminaria: +3.5 (interquartile range [IQR] +0.5, +6.5); Dilapan-S: +3 (IQR +1, +5); p = 0.42. Thirty-seven (63.8%) participants reported higher levels of pain following dilator placement than D&E. Overall, 26 (42.6%) participants used narcotics during their abortion episode, with no difference in median number of tablets between laminaria (2, range 1–8) and Dilapan-S (4.5, range 1–15) participants (p = 0.34). ConclusionsMedian pain increase did not differ in participants receiving laminaria or Dilapan-S for cervical preparation prior to D&E. The majority of patients will use a small amount of narcotics if available. ImplicationsThe lack of difference in pain between laminaria and Dilapan-S enhances the applicability of pain intervention research across dilator types. With over half of participants using a small amount of narcotics during their D&E episode, pain management should be individualized to patient needs.

Conceptualizing Pain and Personhood in the Periviable Period: Perspectives from Reproductive Health and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Clinicians.

In 2020, the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act was brought to an unsuccessful Senate vote for the third time in five years. The Act seeks to prohibit abortions after 20 weeks post-conception based on the scientifically contested claim that fetuses are at that point capable of feeling pain. It thus seeks to undermine Roe v. Wade's viability standard by asserting that the capacity for pain perception is sufficient for "compelling governmental interest" in fetal life. The ability of many NICUs to offer life-sustaining interventions for periviable neonates means that, in many states, neonatologists and physicians who provide second-trimester abortion care may manage cases of the same gestational age. Given this overlap, this qualitative study examines how clinicians think about the capacity of periviable entities to feel pain and how these ideas shape clinical practice and understandings of compassionate care. Drawing on twenty semi-structured interviews conducted between June 2019 and April 2020 with clinicians providing second-trimester abortion care and NICU care in the Northeast United States, it examines how pain is "known" in the periviable period and how clinicians think about pain in relationship to personhood. A key finding is that the meaning of pain and implications for clinical care is shaped by the anticipated futures and personhood status of periviable entities as determined by pregnant people and families of neonates. Clinicians also stated that concerns around the alleviation of suffering, defined as long-term or chronic distress for pregnant people and/or neonates and their families, were more pressing than the potential experience of short-term physical pain. Legislative attempts to make contested ideas of "fetal pain" the basis for "governmental interest" ignores other forms of suffering that might result from denial of options, and potentially places clinicians at odds with their own conceptions of competent and compassionate care.

Intra-cardiac lidocaine administration to induce fetal demise before late second-trimester abortion: Retrospective review.

To determine the efficacy and safety of intra-cardiac lidocaine administration to induce fetal demise before second-trimester medication abortion in a teaching hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We performed a retrospective chart review to collect selected sociodemographic and clinical information. All patients who received fetal intra-cardiac lidocaine between January 1, 2019 and April 30, 2019 were included in the study. Fetal demise was considered successful if achieved within 24hours after fetal intra-cardiac lidocaine administration. We analyzed the data using SPSS version 20. We used frequency tables to describe the data and performed a multivariable analysis to determine associations between variables. A total of 80 fetuses were given intra-cardiac lidocaine.The mean gestational age was 23+1 weeks (range 21+0 -27+5 weeks). Twenty-four hours after lidocaine administration 76 (95%) pregnancies showed negative fetal cardiac activity. Fetuses at gestational ages of 21-23+6 weeks were five times more likely to have negative cardiac activity compared with those with gestational ages between 24 and 28weeks (P=0.001). Two women developed nausea, vomiting, and a metallic taste, but no serious adverse events were reported. Intra-cardiac lidocaine is effective at inducing fetal demise before late second-trimester medication abortion with no associated serious adverse events or complications.

Environmental Exposures in the Etiology of Abortion: Placental Toxic and Trace Element Levels

Intensive research has been conducted on the effects of toxic and trace elements on pregnancy. Previous studies indicated a possible relationship between placental levels of these elements and first-trimester abortion; however, their effects on the further gestational weeks are not clear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of changes in the levels of placental trace and toxic elements on second-trimester abortion. The patient group consisted of 30 women with missed abortion. The control group comprised 60 healthy term and singleton pregnant women who gave birth. Placental samples were obtained from the patients and the healthy controls, and the concentrations of placental elements were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. In the abortion group, placental arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead, antimony, tin, cobalt, manganese, and selenium levels were significantly higher than those of the control group (p<0.05). Antimony was determined as an independent predictor with an odds ratio of 6.1 in toxic elements (p=0.025), and selenium was determined as an independent predictor with an odds ratio of 2.3 in trace elements (p=0.015). The changes in trace element and toxic element levels, especially an increase in antimony and selenium, in placental tissue due to environmental exposure may play an important role in second-trimester abortion.

P19 Attitudes about second-trimester abortion and the impact of restrictive laws among reproductive-aged Texas women

P19 Attitudes about second-trimester abortion and the impact of restrictive laws among reproductive-aged Texas women

P20 A single-blinded randomized controlled trial evaluating pain and opioid use after cervical dilator placement for second-trimester abortion

P20 A single-blinded randomized controlled trial evaluating pain and opioid use after cervical dilator placement for second-trimester abortion

Feasibility of intra-amniotic digoxin administration by obstetrics and gynecology trainees to induce fetal demise prior to medical abortion beyond 20 weeks

BackgroundTransient fetal survival is one issue that providers may face while managing late second-trimester abortion. Induction of fetal demise using digoxin and other means has been widely performed by maternal–fetal...

An Audit of Loss of Pregnancy as an Answer to Differentiated Sex Ratio

Context: Abortion and unintended pregnancy in India is on the rise, and a large proportion of these unintended pregnancies end up in induced abortion. The soaring rate of abortion among Indian women can be influenced by a plethora of reasons. Aims: 1) To identify the rate of second trimester abortion2) To determine the reasons behind second trimester abortions Settings and design: An audit of all the abortions in a district of South India was conducted. Material and methods: The data was obtained from the records of abortion reported in the year 2018 from the District Health Office and analysed. Statistical analysis used: Descriptive statistics Results: Majority of the pregnant ladies with abortion (55.73%) were aged between 21-30 years and abortions in second trimester were observed to be comparatively higher (50%). Among the myriad of reasons found for second trimester abortions, spontaneous abortions contributed to around 30% while 11.92% had no cause mentioned. Conclusion: A high rate of second trimester abortion throws suspicion towards sex selective abortions.

Risk of surgical evacuation and risk of major surgery following second-trimester medical abortion in Denmark: A nationwide cohort study

ObjectiveThe primary objectives were to (1) identify risk factors for surgical evacuation following medical termination of second-trimester pregnancies in Denmark and (2) assesses if these risk factors were able to explain the a priori observed variation in risk of surgical evacuation among Danish hospitals and the a priori observed decline in risk throughout time. The secondary objective was to estimate the risk of major surgery following second-trimester medical abortion. Study designWe conducted a nationwide cohort study including all pregnancies terminated with mifepristone/misoprostol in second trimester in women aged 15–49 years through the period 2006–2017 in Denmark. All included pregnancies were followed for eight weeks from induction. Data were retrieved from national health registers. Multiple logistic regression provided adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of surgical evacuation with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Risk of major surgery was assessed and reported descriptively. ResultsOf 5702 abortions, 2934 (52%) underwent surgical evacuation. The proportion of surgical evacuations decreased linearly from 72% in 13th gestational week to 17% in week 22 (p < 0.001). Compared to 25–29-year-olds, a reduced risk of surgical evacuation was observed in the youngest age group, 15–19 years (OR 0.77; 95% CI 0.61–0.99), while the risk among women aged 30–49 years did not differ significantly from the reference group. Compared to nulliparas, women with a history of only vaginal deliveries with spontaneous delivery of placenta had a decreased risk of surgical evacuation, OR 0.79 (95% CI 0.68–0.92).The OR of surgical evacuation varied from 0.05 (95% CI 0.02–0.15) to 2.38 (95% CI 1.71–3.31) among the hospitals (Copenhagen University Hospital as the reference) and declined significantly throughout the study period (OR for one-year increase in calendar time 0.82; 95% CI 0.81–0.84).Of the 5702 abortions, ten (0.2%) underwent major surgery following medical induction, including one laparoscopy, three hysterotomies, five laparotomies, and one hysterectomy. ConclusionRisk of surgical evacuation of second-trimester medical abortions decreased with increasing gestational age and was reduced in women aged 15–19 years as well as in women with a history of only vaginal deliveries with spontaneous delivery of the placenta. However, these risk factors could not explain the significant variation in risk of surgical evacuation among hospitals and the decline in risk by time, suggestive of an unwarranted variation in risk of surgical evacuation following second-trimester medical termination of pregnancy in Denmark. Major surgery following medical induction was uncommon. ImplicationRisk of surgical evacuation following medical termination of second-trimester pregnancy declined by calendar time and varied among Danish hospitals. Risk factors for surgical evacuation could not explain the difference by time and site of induction, suggestive of an unwarranted variation in the risk of surgical evacuation following second-trimester medical abortions in Denmark.

Uterine Artery Embolization Prior to Induced Second-Trimester Abortion With Placenta Previa: Report of a Series of Cases

Due to the higher prevalence of placenta previa in induced second-trimester abortions, prophylactic uterine artery embolization prior to induction of labor is a safe and effective technique to reduce maternal blood loss and morbidity. J Clin Gynecol Obstet. 2020;9(1-2):25-28 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jcgo511

Complication rates of dilation and evacuation and labor induction in second-trimester abortion for fetal indications: A retrospective cohort study

ObjectiveTo compare complication rates of dilation and evacuation (D&E) to mifepristone and misoprostol labor induction for second trimester abortion for fetal indications. Study designWe performed a retrospective cohort study comparing complication rates with D&E and labor induction abortion for fetal indications at 14 weeks 0 days through 23 weeks and 6 days gestation between January 1, 2009, and August 31, 2017. We extracted demographic, procedural, and outcome data, focusing specifically on complications of maternal hemorrhage, infection, emergency department visit, hospital readmission, retained tissue requiring dilation and curettage (D&C), manual placental removal, or thromboembolism. We compared complication rates between the D&E and induction groups using univariate and multivariate analyses. ResultsWe included outcomes from 75 (48%) D&E and 81 (52%) labor induction abortions. We identified any complication in 1 (1%) and 7 (7%) of patients, respectively (p = 0.12). The only complication in the D&E group was hemorrhage with an estimated blood loss of 1000 mL not requiring transfusion. Labor induction complications included retained tissue requiring manual removal (n = 2) or D&C (n = 1) and hemorrhage (n = 2). ConclusionThere was no difference in complication rates between the D&E group and the labor induction group. ImplicationsThis study compared outcomes between D&E and labor induction using mifepristone and misoprostol for second trimester abortion. Our complication rate for labor induction using mifepristone and misoprostol, and particularly our rate of retained placenta requiring D&C, was lower than what has been previously reported for second trimester labor induction termination using other methods. This study suggests there is a benefit for the routine use of mifepristone with misoprostol for second trimester labor induction. Additionally, the low rate of major complications in this study for both D&E and labor induction further validates the safety of both procedures for second trimester abortion.

Effect of adjunctive vaginal progesterone after McDonald cerclage on the rate of second-trimester abortion in singleton pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial.

To evaluate the effect of adjunctive use of vaginal progesterone after McDonald cerclage on the rate of second-trimester abortion in singleton pregnancy. A randomized controlled trial at Woman's Health Hospital, Assiut University, Egypt, between April 2017 and March 2019 enrolled women eligible for McDonald cerclage. After cerclage, participants were randomly assigned to receive progesterone (400mg pessary) once daily until 37weeks or no progesterone. The primary outcome was rate of abortion before 28weeks. Secondary outcomes included gestational age at delivery, preterm delivery, mean birthweight, Apgar score, and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The rate of spontaneous abortion was higher in the no-progesterone group (P=0.016). Mean gestational age and mean birthweight was higher in the progesterone group (P<0.001 and P=0.002, respectively). The frequency of preterm neonates, neonates with Apgar score less than 7, and admission to NICU was higher in the progesterone group than in the no-progesterone group (P=0.005, P=0.008, and P=0.044, respectively). Adjunctive use of vaginal progesterone after McDonald cerclage was found to decrease the frequency of second-trimester abortion and to improve perinatal outcomes in singleton pregnancy. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02846909.

Commentary: No-test medication abortion: A sample protocol for increasing access during a pandemic and beyond

Author(s): Raymond, Elizabeth; Grossman, Daniel; Mark, Alice; Upadhyay, Ushma; Dean, Gillian; Creinin, Mitchell; Coplon, Leah; Perritt, Jamila; Atrio, Jessica; Taylor, DeShawn; Gold, Marji | Abstract: No abstract

Laparoscopic Cervical Encerclage in Pregnancy in 6 Steps

Cervical insufficiency occurs in 0.1% to 1 % of all pregnancies and is associated with a high risk of second-trimester abortion and/or preterm delivery [1]. Laparoscopic encerclage is highly recommended for a previous failed vaginal encerclage and is superior to the laparotomy approach in terms of low morbidity and faster recovery [2].Laparoscopic encerclage in pregnancy is more challenging than that in the nonpregnant state. This is because of the enlarged uterine size, engorged uterine vessels, and infeasibility of using a uterine manipulator. The standardization and description of the technique are the main objectives of this video (Video 1). We have described the surgeryin6 steps that could make this procedure easier and safer. A step-by-step video demonstration of the technique. Paul's Hospital, Centre for Advanced Endoscopy & Infertility Treatment, Kochi, India. A 29-year-old pregnant woman, gravida 3 abortions 2, at 13 weeks period of gestation, with a history of 2 second-trimester abortions owing to cervical insufficiency. The patient had a failed vaginal cervical encerclage at 18 weeks in the second pregnancy. This is a step-wise laparoscopic approach for successful cervical encerclage in pregnancy. In this video, we demonstrate our technique for laparoscopic cervical encerclage in a pregnant woman's uterus in 6 steps using a Mersilene tape (Ethicon US, LLC, Somerville, NJ) as follows: (1) Opening the uterovesical fold and dissecting the bladder, (2) opening the left broad ligament and creating a window, (3) opening the right broad ligament and creating a window, (4) placing the Mersilene tape on the left side medial to the uterine vessels at the cervicoisthmic junction, (5) placing the Mersilene tape on the right side medial to the uterine vessels at the cervicoisthmic junction, (6) tying the Mersilene tape anteriorly. The standardization of laparoscopiccervical encerclage in pregnancy using the above 6 steps could make this procedure easier and safer to perform. Moreover, the standardization of the surgical technique could shorten the learning curve.

Contextualizing Medicaid reimbursement rates for abortion procedures

ObjectiveLow Medicaid reimbursement rates have been cited as a key threat to abortion clinic sustainability in the United States. This study examines differences between Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements for abortion and miscarriage management procedures under a fee-for-service (FFS) model. Study designUsing 2017 Medicaid and Medicare Physician fee schedules, we extracted reimbursement data for the two most commonly-billed abortion procedures and two miscarriage management procedures for 45 states and the District of Columbia (DC). We compared Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement rates for each procedure by state. ResultsMedicaid reimbursement rates for both procedures varied widely across the states. Medicaid rates for second-trimester abortion procedures had the widest range; $79–$626. Median Medicaid reimbursement rates were lower than median Medicare rates for first- and second-trimester abortion procedures. Median reimbursement rates for first-trimester induced abortion were lower than median reimbursement rates for miscarriage management for both Medicaid and Medicare. ConclusionOur findings indicate that Medicaid reimbursement rates for abortion are low; the median patient cost for a first- and second-trimester abortion have been reported as $490 and $750, respectively. Median Medicaid reimbursement rates for a first- and second-trimester abortion covers approximately 37% and 41% of patient costs for a first- and second-trimester abortion. Further, while induced abortion procedures are similar to miscarriage management procedures, Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement rates are lower for first- and second-trimester abortion procedures. Implication statementEnsuring reimbursement rates are closely aligned with procedural costs bolsters provider willingness to accept Medicaid. Data that highlights the potential impact of fee-for-service reimbursement rates on healthcare provision and ultimately patient access can help inform healthcare policies. This is especially important as more states consider expanding Medicaid coverage of abortion.

Second-trimester abortion attitudes and practices among maternal-fetal medicine and family planning subspecialists

BackgroundPatients deciding to undergo dilation and evacuation (D&E) or induction abortion for fetal anomalies or complications may be greatly influenced by the counseling they receive. We sought to compare maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) and family planning (FP) physicians’ attitudes and practice patterns around second-trimester abortion for abnormal pregnancies.MethodsWe surveyed members of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Family Planning subspecialists in 2010–2011 regarding provider recommendations between D&E or induction termination for various case scenarios. We assessed provider beliefs about patient preferences and method safety regarding D&E or induction for various indications. We compared responses by specialty using descriptive statistics and conducted unadjusted and adjusted analyses of factors associated with recommending a D&E.ResultsSeven hundred ninety-four (35%) physicians completed the survey (689 MFMs, 105 FPs). We found that FPs had 3.9 to 5.5 times higher odds of recommending D&E for all case scenarios (e.g. 80% of FPs and 41% of MFMs recommended D&E for trisomy 21). MFMs with exposure to family planning had greater odds of recommending D&E for all case scenarios (p < 0.01 for all). MFMs were less likely than FPs to believe that patients prefer D&E and less likely to feel that D&E was a safer method for different indications.ConclusionRecommendations for D&E or induction vary significantly depending on the type of physician providing the counseling. The decision to undergo D&E or induction is one of clinical equipoise, and physicians should provide unbiased counseling. Further work is needed to understand optimal approaches to shared decision making for this clinical decision.

Racial vulnerability and individual barriers for Brazilian women seeking first care following abortion.

Social inequalities in Brazil are reflected in women's search for abortion care, when they face individual, social, and structural barriers and are exposed to situations of vulnerability. Black women are the most heavily exposed to these barriers, from the search for the service to the care itself. The study aimed to analyze factors related to individual barriers in the search for first post-abortion care according to race/color. The study was conducted in Salvador (Bahia State), Recife, (Pernambuco State) and São Luís (Maranhão State), Brazil, with 2,640 patients admitted to public hospitals. Logistic regression was performed to analyze differences according to race/color (white, brown, and black), with "no individual barriers in the search for first care" as the reference category in the dependent variable. Of the women interviewed, 35.7% were black, 53.3% brown, and 11% white. Black women had less schooling, fewer children, and reported more induced abortions (31.1%) and more second-trimester abortions (15.4%). Black women reported more individual barriers in the search for first care (32% vs. 28% in brown women and 20.3% in whites), such as fear of being mistreated and lack of money for transportation. Regression analysis confirmed the association between black and brown race/color and individual barriers in the search for post-abortion care, even after adjusting for all the selected variables. The results confirmed the situation of vulnerability for black women and brown women in Brazil. Racial discrimination in health services and abortion-related stigma can act simultaneously, delaying women's access to health services, a limitation that can further complicate their post-abortion condition.

Mifepristone and misoprostol compared to osmotic dilators for cervical preparation prior to surgical abortion at 15–18 weeks' gestation: a randomised controlled non-inferiority trial

ObjectiveCervical preparation is recommended prior to second-trimester surgical abortion. Osmotic dilators are an effective means to prepare the cervix, but require an additional procedure and may cause discomfort. We compared...