RESUMO
To investigate the reproductive performance of non-pregnant women with recurrent spontaneous miscarriage [RSM] and the association between RSM and polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] in reproductive failure. Subjects and Fifty non-pregnant women with 3 or more consecutive RSM attending our RSM clinic were evaluated prospectively. Detailed history and physical examination were completed. Extensive laboratory investigations, ultrasonographic, radiological and specialized procedures/tests were performed. Those patients who did not achieve pregnancy within the first 6 months of follow-up had appropriate treatment options implemented. The outcome of any subsequent pregnancies was analyzed. The mean age of the patients was 33.8 +/- 4.6 years [range 22-43 years]. The aetiological factors associated with RSM were chromosome anomaly, uterine abnormality, antiphospholipid syndrome, PCOS and infections; 40% were 'unexplained'. Thirty patients [60%] were able to achieve viable pregnancies which progressed to term, resulting in live births. Fourteen of the other 20 patients had high body mass index [BMI] >30 and evidence of PCOS. Of these 20 patients, 13 eventually achieved pregnancies which ended again in first-second-trimester abortions [cause undetermined]. The remaining 7 patients [4 with high BMI] who had a combination of male factor/protracted PCOS/ovarian failure did not achieve pregnancies. The association of RSM with PCOS resulted in poor reproductive performance, which may progress to reproductive failure