[Inherited thrombophilic factors in women with unexplained intrauterine fetal deaths]

The aim of the study was to investigate a relationship between carrier status for factor V Leiden (FVL), prothrombin gene mutation 20210 G>A (PTM 20210 G>A) and development of unexplained intrauterine fetal deaths (UIFD). Thirty three women with one or more UIFD and stillbirths were investigated for carriers status for FVL and PTM 20210 G>A. Women with multiple pregnancies, congenital anomalies, intrauterine infection or chorioamnionitis were excluded from the study. Control group consisted of 79 women without reproductive failure were selected and investigated. The prevalence of FVL was significantly higher in the study group (21.1%) compared with 6.3% in the control group (OR 3.98, 95% CI 1.02- 16.14, p = 0.045). The prevalence of PTM 20210 G>A was also much higher in patients (10%) than in controls (2.5%) (OR 3.85, 95% CI 0.49-35.08, p-ns). Seven patients with UIFD and other obstetrics complications (preeclampsia, placental abruption, intrauterine growth retardation) showed high prevalence (over 40%) of FVL and PTM 20210 G>A. We found an important association between UIFD and FVL and PTM 20210 G>A, although the data on PTM 20210 G>A was non-significant because of low rate of the mutation and small group of investigated women. This data serves as a background to suggest a routine testing for inherited thrombophilia in women with UIFD aiming and individual approach of preventive use of low-molecular-weight heparin to avoid obstetric complication in future pregnancy.