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. 2008 May;198(5):523.e1-6.
doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2007.11.011. Epub 2008 Jan 14.

United States emergency department visits for vaginal bleeding during early pregnancy, 1993-2003

Kathleen A Wittels  1 , Andrea J Pelletier, David F M Brown, Carlos A Camargo Jr
Affiliations

United States emergency department visits for vaginal bleeding during early pregnancy, 1993-2003

Kathleen A Wittels et al. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2008 May.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiology of emergency department (ED) visits for vaginal bleeding during early pregnancy (VBEP).

Study design: We analyzed data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, 1993-2003. Cases presented with a complaint of vaginal bleeding and had diagnoses consistent with presentation during early pregnancy.

Results: Over the 11-year period, there were 5.4 million visits for VBEP, which represents 1.6% of all ED visits or almost 500,000 visits/year. ED visits for VBEP increased from 5.6-7.8 visits per 1000 US population (P for trend < .01). The population rates were highest in the 20-29 year age group. ED patients with VBEP were more likely to be black, Hispanic, and uninsured, as compared to women presenting for other reasons.

Conclusion: ED visits for VBEP are rising, particularly among younger and Hispanic women. Programs that ensure primary obstetric care would help decrease reliance on the ED for this important condition.

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