Recurrent pregnancy loss: can factor V Leiden mutations be a cause

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Genetics
• Thrombophilia

Background:

• Recurrent miscarriage (RM) affects a significant number of women.
• The role of Factor V Leiden (FVL) mutation in RM is debated.
• A hypothesis suggests FVL mutation in RM patients is treatable.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the prevalence of FVL mutations in Indian women with RM.
• To assess the association between FVL mutation and recurrent pregnancy loss.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 78 pregnant women was screened for FVL mutations.
• Fifty women in the cohort had a history of recurrent miscarriages.
• Statistical analysis included odds ratio calculation and significance testing.

Main Results:

• Only one woman (2%) tested positive for heterozygous FVL mutation.
• The odds ratio for FVL mutation in RM patients was 1.72 (95% CI: 0.0681-43.8257).
• The association between FVL mutation and RM was not statistically significant (P>0.05).

Conclusions:

• FVL mutation is not a significant risk factor for recurrent miscarriage in the studied Indian population.
• Routine screening for FVL mutation may not be beneficial for Indian women with recurrent pregnancy loss.
• Further research may be needed to explore other genetic or acquired thrombophilias in RM.