Pregnancy and catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome

Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2009 Jun;36(2-3):85-90. doi: 10.1007/s12016-008-8100-3.

Abstract

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is clearly related to maternal morbidity. The most characteristic feature is pregnancy loss; however, several other serious complications had been reported including fetal growth restriction, uteroplacental insufficiency, fetal distress, pre-eclampsia, and HELLP syndrome. Herein, we review the different aspects of obstetric APS features, with special emphasis on its life-threatening variant known as catastrophic APS (Asherson's syndrome) and its relationship with a thrombotic microangiopathy such as HELLP syndrome.

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Spontaneous*
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / blood
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / immunology*
  • Female
  • HELLP Syndrome / blood
  • HELLP Syndrome / diagnosis
  • HELLP Syndrome / immunology
  • Hemostasis / immunology
  • Humans
  • Peripheral Vascular Diseases / immunology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / blood
  • Pregnancy Complications / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy Complications / immunology*
  • Thrombocytopenia / immunology
  • Thrombosis / immunology
  • Trophoblasts / immunology*
  • Trophoblasts / pathology*