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Antiphospholipid antibodies in eclamptic women
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pamukkale University, Medical Faculty, Denizli, Turkey.
Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation
|March 28, 1998
Summary
Antiphospholipid antibodies (APA) are more prevalent in women with eclampsia. Positive APA levels in eclamptic women significantly increase the risk of intrauterine fetal death, though not intrauterine growth retardation.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Immunology
- Perinatology
Background:
- Eclampsia is a severe complication of pregnancy characterized by seizures.
- Antiphospholipid antibodies (APA) are associated with various adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- The role of APA in eclampsia requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of APA in eclamptic women.
- To compare rates of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and fetal death in APA-positive versus APA-negative eclamptic women.
Main Methods:
- Case-control study involving 36 eclamptic women and 30 healthy pregnant controls.
- APA levels were determined using serological assays.
- Prevalence of IUGR and fetal death was assessed in relation to APA status within the eclamptic cohort.
Main Results:
- APA positivity was significantly higher in eclamptic women (25%) compared to controls (6.7%).
- Fetal death occurred in 44.4% of APA-positive eclamptic women versus 3.7% of APA-negative eclamptic women (p < 0.01).
- No significant difference in IUGR rates was observed between APA-positive and APA-negative eclamptic women.
Conclusions:
- Elevated APA levels are more common in women with eclampsia.
- APA positivity in eclamptic women is a significant risk factor for fetal death.
- APA status does not appear to influence the risk of IUGR in eclampsia.