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Missed abortion
ICD10CM code
#### Name of the Condition
- **Missed Abortion (O02.1)**
- Also known as missed miscarriage or silent miscarriage.
#### Summary
- Missed abortion is a condition where a fetus has died or has not developed but hasn’t been physically miscarried by the mother. This often occurs without the usual symptoms of miscarriage, such as bleeding or pain.
#### Causes
- The causes of missed abortion are often unclear but may include chromosomal abnormalities, hormonal imbalances, or maternal health issues.
#### Risk Factors
- Advanced maternal age (35 and older)
- History of miscarriages
- Certain chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, thyroid disorders)
- Lifestyle factors such as smoking or excessive caffeine intake
#### Symptoms
- Absence of fetal heart activity
- Loss of pregnancy symptoms like nausea or breast tenderness
- No fetal movement later in pregnancy (when applicable)
#### Diagnosis
- Ultrasound to confirm lack of fetal heartbeat or development
- Blood tests checking for hormone levels, such as hCG
#### Treatment Options
- Expectant management: Waiting for the miscarriage to occur naturally.
- Medication: Drugs such as misoprostol may help expel fetal tissue.
- Surgical: Dilation and curettage (D&C) to remove fetal tissue.
#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- Once treated, most women physically recover quickly, but emotional recovery might take longer.
- Follow-up appointments are crucial to ensure complete recovery and discuss future pregnancy planning.
#### Complications
- Retained fetal tissue can lead to infection.
- Emotional distress is common and may require psychological support.
#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- While prevention can be challenging due to the nature of miscarriages, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing chronic conditions, and regular prenatal care can be beneficial.
#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Persistent abdominal pain or heavy bleeding
- Signs of infection such as fever or chills
- Any psychological distress or depression post-diagnosis
#### Additional Resources
- American Pregnancy Association (www.americanpregnancy.org)
- March of Dimes (www.marchofdimes.org)
- Local pregnancy loss support groups
#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure the distinction between missed abortion and other types of early pregnancy loss.
- Double-check patient records for the accurate description of the event’s timeline and medical interventions.
- Avoid coding errors by confirming that the term “missed abortion” is used in clinical documentation rather than patient-self-reports.