Objective: To analyze the prevalence of the mutation G1691A in factor V gene (Leiden mutation), of mutation C677T in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, and of polymorphism in G20210A in the prothrombin gene in women with recurrent abortions; further, to identify a subgroup at higher risk of being carriers of these mutations.
Design: Prospective case control evaluation.
Setting: University clinic.
Patient(s): Eighty-four women with 3 or more consecutive miscarriages were compared with 69 controls.
Intervention(s): None.
Main outcome measure(s): Polymerase chain reactions were performed to identify the mutations G1691A in factor V and C677T in MTHFR genes and the polymorphism G20210A in the prothrombin gene.
Result(s): In women with primary habitual abortions, 27.8% carried the Leiden mutation. No difference was observed in the prevalence of mutation C677T in the MTHFR gene or in polymorphism G20210A in the prothrombin gene.
Conclusion(s): The Leiden mutation may play a considerable role for women having primary recurrent abortions.