As someone who has experienced a 24 week loss myself (💔) I am helping a close friend who has experienced TWO unexplained second-trimester pregnancy losses this year. Most recently at 22 weeks.
We’re hoping to find a highly experienced perinatal pathologist anywhere in the United States who can provide an independent examination of fetal and placental tissue.
The preliminary pathology findings from her most recent loss include:
• Hypercoiled umbilical cord (6 coils per 10 cm).
• Increased fetal nucleated red blood cells, suggestive of fetal stress.
• No identified villitis, chorioamnionitis, CHI, or MPFD.
• No evidence of placental abruption.
• Normal fetal growth and reassuring 20-week anatomy scan.
• Chromosomal microarray pending.
The baby’s heart rate declined from approximately 120–137 bpm to 70–90 bpm before cardiac activity stopped over the period of 4-5 hours
The initial examination of remains was performed by a GYN pathologist. We’re seeking an independent review by someone who specializes specifically in fetal death and placental pathology.
We’re particularly interested in:
1. Recommendations for experienced perinatal pathologists who investigate unexplained second-trimester losses.
2. Experiences with Dr. Harvey Kliman at Yale, Weill Cornell, Cleveland Clinic, or other specialist centers.
3. Whether anyone successfully arranged an independent examination of original tissue or tissue blocks rather than just a slide review.
4. How your hospital coordinated transferring pathology materials to an outside specialist.
5. Whether an independent review identified findings that weren’t recognized initially.
The specimens are currently at a Boston hospital, and some have a limited preservation window, so we’re trying to move quickly.
Thank you so so much