Management of obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome

Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2012 Feb;14(1):79-86. doi: 10.1007/s11926-011-0218-2.

Abstract

Recurrent early miscarriages (excluding chromosomal anomalies), late fetal loss, and maternal thrombosis are characteristic of obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Obstetric complications such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, premature delivery, and fetal death also occur in higher frequency in APS patients than in the general population. A high-risk obstetric center is needed for proper evaluation of and intervention with pregnant women with APS. Association with lupus carries additional risk of thrombosis when antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) are present. Gestational results with live births are improved to about 80% when antithrombotic therapy is used, but failure in 20% to 30% of the cases despite correct treatment with low-dose aspirin with or without heparin reveals new pathways for pregnancy loss in APS and unmet needs. At the moment, there is no recommendation to investigate patients with infertility for the presence of aPLs.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / complications
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications