Angiogenic markers could predict adverse pregnancy outcomes

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Reproductive Immunology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) present significant clinical challenges.
• Risk factors for APOs, including antiphospholipid antibodies (APLs) and angiogenic factors, require further clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between antiphospholipid antibodies (APLs), angiogenic factors, and adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs).
• To identify pre-onset risk factors for pregnancy failure.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study analyzing data from 145 pregnant women.
• Patients categorized into non-APO (n=89) and APO (n=56) groups.
• Univariate analysis of patient characteristics, laboratory tests, therapies, and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Lupus anticoagulant (LAC) positivity, antiphospholipid syndrome, and pre-pregnancy heparin use were more prevalent in the APO group.
• LAC positivity correlated with shorter gestational age and earlier preterm delivery.
• Elevated soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1/placental growth factor ratio in pregnancies with APLs was linked to APOs and adverse neonatal outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Antiphospholipid antibodies (APLs), particularly lupus anticoagulant (LAC) positivity, are significant risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs).
• Altered angiogenic markers in pregnancies with APLs are associated with APOs and poorer neonatal health.
• Early identification and management of APLs and angiogenic factor imbalances are crucial for improving pregnancy outcomes.