Antiphospholipid antibodies in pregnancy.
We assessed the relationship between antiphospholipid antibodies and recurrent miscarriage, fetal deaths, and the pregnancy complications--placental abruption, fetal growth retardation and preeclampsia. The subjects were 81 women with a history of 3 or more miscarriages, 62 with a history of fetal death in the index pregnancy, 105 with a poor obstetric history or pregnancy complications and 13 with systemic lupus erythematosus. Antiphospholipid antibodies were found in 41% of women with a history of recurrent miscarriages, 29% with a history of recent intermediate fetal death or stillbirth, 19% with a poor obstetric history and 69% with systemic lupus erythematosus. There is a high incidence of antiphospholipid antibodies in complicated pregnancies. Patients presenting with the above pregnancy disorders should be tested for antiphospholipid antibodies because of the risk conferred on a fetus by their presence and to expand the treatment options.
Birdsall
M
M
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Women's Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand.
Pattison
N
N
Chamley
L
L
D000026:Abortion, Habitual / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D017153:Antibodies, Anticardiolipin / Q000097:blood*; D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016682:Lupus Coagulation Inhibitor / Q000097:blood*; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000276:immunology; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000276:immunology*; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000276:immunology*
D017153:Antibodies, Anticardiolipin; D016682:Lupus Coagulation Inhibitor; D001241:Aspirin