Management of anembryonic pregnancy loss: an observational study.

BACKGROUND This study was undertaken to determine if expectant management with a longer waiting period is an effective and safe option for women with anembryonic pregnancy. METHODS Women with an ultrasound diagnosis of anembryonic pregnancy were offered the option of expectant management with a 3-week waiting period or surgical evacuation according to their preference. RESULTS A total of 121 women with anembryonic pregnancies participated in the study; 45 of them elected expectant management. The overall success rate was 83.3% in the expectant group and 97.3% in the surgical group. No significant complications were noted in either group. CONCLUSION Expectant management with a 3-week waiting period is an efficacious and safe option with a low risk of infection and hemorrhage. However, it is difficult to predict the exact time period before spontaneous abortion.