Subclinical autoimmune disease and recurrent spontaneous abortion

We describe a patient with no clinical complaints except 5 unexplained spontaneous abortions in whom investigations revealed a positive antinuclear factor, antibodies to native double-stranded DNA, LE cells, a positive Coombs' test, a positive lupus anticoagulant test, and anticardiolipin antibodies. Despite preeclampsia our patient successfully completed her 6th pregnancy after treatment with corticosteroids, subcutaneous heparin, and low dose aspirin throughout the pregnancy. Serial measurements of anticardiolipin antibody showed suppression of anticardiolipin antibody levels with corticosteroids. The response of the lupus anticoagulant was less obvious. No anticardiolipin antibodies were detected in the baby.