Plasma homocysteine and vitamin B12 serum levels, red blood cell folate concentrations, C677T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene mutation and risk of recurrent miscarriage: a case-control study in Spain.

Background: Hyperhomocysteinemia and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene mutation have been postulated as a possible cause of recurrent miscarriage (RM). There is a wide variation in the prevalence of MTHFR polymorphisms and homocysteine (Hcy) plasma levels among populations around the world. The present study was undertaken to investigate the possible association between hyperhomocysteinemia and its causative genetic or acquired factors and RM in Catalonia, a Mediterranean region in Spain. Methods: Sixty consecutive patients with ≥ 3 unexplained RM and 30 healthy control women having at least one child but no previous miscarriage were included. Plasma Hcy levels, MTHFR gene mutation, red blood cell (RBC) folate and vitamin B12 serum levels were measured in all subjects. Results: No significant differences were observed neither in plasma Hcy levels, RBC folate and vitamin B12 serum levels nor in the prevalence of homozygous and heterozygous MTHFR gene mutation between the two groups studied. Conclusions: In the present study RM is not associated with hyperhomocysteinemia, and/or the MTHFR gene mutation.

Aspectes mèdics i quirúrgics de l'avortament

Mèdicament l"avortament és la finalització de la gestació abans de la setmana 22 complerta. Els avortaments poden ser precoços o de primer trimestre o bé tardans o de segon trimestre. Les causes de l"avortament es classifiquen en maternes o ovulars i/o fetals. També hi ha la possibilitat de practicar una Interrupció Legal de l"Embaràs (ILE), que en la llei espanyola inclou tres supòsits. Els procediments medicoquirúrgics que s"utilitzaran per a la interrupció de l"embaràs depenen del període de gestació en el qual es troba la dona.