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Obstetric Anti-phospholipid Syndrome: State of the Art
Maria Chiara Gerardi1, Melissa Alexandre Fernandes2, Angela Tincani1
1Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit and Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Spedali Civili and University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
Insights
Obstetric anti-phospholipid syndrome (ob-APS) involves inflammation and poor pregnancy outcomes. Conventional treatments improve outcomes for 70% of women, while new therapies are explored for refractory cases.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Obstetric anti-phospholipid syndrome (ob-APS) is a significant cause of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- Its pathogenesis involves placental infarction and inflammatory cell infiltration, leading to uncontrolled inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in the pathogenesis and clinical-therapeutic strategies for obstetric anti-phospholipid syndrome (ob-APS).
- To highlight the importance of preconception counseling and tailored treatment for improving maternal and fetal outcomes in ob-APS patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on studies published within the last five years.
- Analysis of current understanding of ob-APS pathogenesis and treatment modalities.
Main Results:
- Conventional treatment (low-dose aspirin and heparin) achieves successful pregnancies in approximately 70% of women with ob-APS.
- Investigational therapies like hydroxychloroquine, statins, and eculizumab show promise for patients resistant to standard care.
- Further investigation is needed for managing 'aPL carriers' and patients with obstetric manifestations not meeting full ob-APS criteria.
Conclusions:
- Patient-tailored management and preconception counseling are crucial for optimizing outcomes in ob-APS.
- While conventional therapies are effective for many, novel therapeutic agents are being explored for challenging cases.
- Continued research is essential to refine management strategies for all patients affected by obstetric anti-phospholipid syndrome.
Purpose Of Review:
This review focuses on new pathogenesis and clinical-therapeutic aspects of obstetric anti-phospholipid syndrome (ob-APS) in the last 5 years.
Recent Findings:
The pathogenesis of ob-APS is multifactorial, including placental infarctions, infiltration of inflammatory cells that cause acute and chronic inflammation, leading to uncontrolled inflammation and poor pregnancy outcomes. A preconception counseling and a patient-tailored treatment are fundamental to improve maternal and fetal outcomes. Thanks to conventional treatment, based on low-dose aspirin and heparin, 70% of women with ob-APS can have successful pregnancies. Women with positive anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL) without clinical manifestations ("aPL carriers") or with obstetric manifestation not fulfilling ob-APS criteria need to be further investigated in order to assess their best management. Great interest has been given to drugs that could interact in the pathophysiological mechanisms, such as hydroxychloroquine, statins, and eculizumab. These drugs could be considered for patients refractory to conventional therapy.
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