Recurrent pregnancy loss and antiphospholipid syndrome: an overlooked association

Afr J Med Med Sci. 2010 Sep;39(3):227-31.

Abstract

Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS), a thrombophilic condition, is being increasingly recognised as an important cause of recurrent pregnancy loss, preeclampsia and possible infertility. It could occur as a primary condition or it may be secondary to connective tissue diseases, infections or malignancies. Though recurrent pregnancy loss is a common feature ofAPS, there are other presentations attributable to thrombosis. The mechanism of thrombosis is still not completely understood but there are various suggested mechanisms. Presence of anti-cardiolipin antibodies (aCL) and lupus anticoagulant (LAC) are diagnostic. Management is variously with heparin, aspirin and warfarin, although other treatment modalities are being deployed. A high index of suspicion is needed for this otherwise treatable condition. Management is ideally best done by an obstetrician and a rheumatologist.

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Habitual / drug therapy
  • Abortion, Habitual / etiology*
  • Abortion, Habitual / prevention & control
  • Antibodies, Anticardiolipin / blood
  • Antibodies, Antiphospholipid / blood
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use*
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / complications*
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Fibrinolytic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Lupus Coagulation Inhibitor / blood
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications
  • Recurrence

Substances

  • Antibodies, Anticardiolipin
  • Antibodies, Antiphospholipid
  • Anticoagulants
  • Fibrinolytic Agents
  • Lupus Coagulation Inhibitor