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Lupus anticoagulant in pregnancy
British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|April 1, 1984
Summary
Lupus anticoagulant in pregnant women is linked to intrauterine deaths. Treatment with prednisone and aspirin can lead to live births, highlighting the importance of screening for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Hematology
- Immunology
Background:
- Circulating lupus anticoagulant is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including intrauterine deaths.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can manifest with various complications during pregnancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the implications of maternal lupus anticoagulant activity in pregnancy.
- To evaluate the efficacy of treatment in managing pregnancies complicated by lupus anticoagulant.
Main Methods:
- Confirmed lupus anticoagulant activity via clotting time tests.
- Assessed clinical diagnoses, antibody profiles, and platelet counts.
- Treated six pregnancies with prednisone and aspirin; one with heparin and aspirin.
Main Results:
- Five live infants were delivered following treatment, with four born spontaneously.
- Restoration of normal clotting times correlated with successful pregnancy outcomes.
- One case of deep vein thrombosis resulted in a live birth with heparin and aspirin therapy.
Conclusions:
- Maternal lupus anticoagulant activity significantly impacts pregnancy outcomes.
- Screening for lupus anticoagulant is crucial in women with suspected SLE, positive antinuclear antibody tests, thrombotic events, or unexplained fetal losses.