Fetal dysmorphism in spontaneous abortions in a Mexican population.

Objective: The purpose of this research was to find out the frequency and type of fetal dysmorphism in spontaneous abortions among the Mexican population.

Method: A prospective study was carried out in all the cases of spontaneous miscarriages occurring at the 'Dr. Manuel Gea González' General Hospital in Mexico City, from July 1989 to June 1999.

Result: Two hundred and one empty sacs and 1555 well-defined embryos or fetuses were analyzed. Dysmorphism was observed in 48% of the cases, malformations being the most frequently found. Among malformations the largest group corresponded to morphological alterations not recognized in the postnatal life, facial clefts and closure defects of the abdominal wall were the known malformations of the postnatal period most frequently found. The most common syndromic entities were suggestive of bone dysplasia and Turner phenotype.

Conclusion: The frequency of fetal dysmorphism in spontaneous abortions is higher than in newborns. Its diagnosis is very important for genetic counseling.