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Racial variation in the number of spontaneous abortions before a first successful pregnancy, and effects on subsequent pregnancies.


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Authors

Oliver-Williams, Clare T 
Steer, Philip J 

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between race and spontaneous abortion, whether the relationship varies by risk factors, and the effect of spontaneous abortions on subsequent pregnancies. METHODS: A retrospective study was undertaken using data collected in London, UK, between 1988 and 2000. Logistic regression evaluated histories of spontaneous abortion and associations with small-for-gestational-age and preterm births in black African, black Caribbean, and South Asian women relative to white European women. Interactions with risk factors were assessed. RESULTS: Overall, 196 040 women were included. Compared with white Europeans, the odds of a previous spontaneous abortion were increased in black African (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12-1.29) and black Caribbean women (aOR 1.31; 95% CI 1.21-1.41). The strength of the association with black African race increased with age (P=0.002), and the association with South Asian race increased with age and body mass index (P<0.001 for both). Spontaneous abortion was associated with preterm birth in all races, but was strongest in black African women (aOR 1.47; 95% CI 1.29-1.67). CONCLUSION: The greater incidence of spontaneous abortion in black African and black Caribbean women should prompt further study of risk factors in relation to race. The interaction with age in black African and South Asian women could be important for counseling in relation to timing of pregnancy.

Description

Keywords

Preterm birth, Race, Racial group, Small for gestational age, Spontaneous abortion, Abortion, Spontaneous, Adult, Age Factors, Asian People, Black People, Body Mass Index, Caribbean Region, Female, Humans, Incidence, Infant, Small for Gestational Age, London, Obesity, Pregnancy, Premature Birth, Retrospective Studies, Risk Factors, White People, Young Adult

Journal Title

Int J Gynaecol Obstet

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0020-7292
1879-3479

Volume Title

129

Publisher

Wiley
Sponsorship
This work was supported by a Medical Research Council PhD Studentship.