Exploring the association between preeclampsia and antiphospholipid antibodies. A prospective study

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Immunology
• Perinatology

Background:

• Severe preeclampsia (PE) is a significant cause of maternal and fetal morbidity.
• Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are implicated in various pregnancy complications.
• The specific association between aPL and severe PE, particularly concerning gestational age, requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) and severe preeclampsia (PE).
• To evaluate the correlation between aPL and severe PE, differentiating between early (<34 weeks) and late (≥34 weeks) gestation.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, interventional study involving 140 pregnant women.
• Participants were divided into a control group (40 normal pregnancies) and a study group (100 with severe PE).
• aPL testing was performed at diagnosis of severe PE and during routine obstetric controls for the control group.

Main Results:

• Antiphospholipid antibody positivity was significantly higher in women with severe PE (34%) compared to controls (10%).
• A strong association was found between severe PE and aPL positivity (OR = 4.63, p = .005).
• aPL positivity was associated with both early severe PE (OR = 4.38, p = .01) and late severe PE (OR = 5.0, p = .008).

Conclusions:

• The presence of antiphospholipid antibodies is significantly associated with severe preeclampsia.
• aPL positivity correlates with the severity of PE, irrespective of the gestational age at diagnosis.
• These findings highlight the potential role of aPL in the pathophysiology of severe PE.