Low molecular weight heparin in immunological recurrent abortion--the incredible cure.

Abstract

The most compelling association between pregnancy loss and autoimmune phenomena has been with the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (APA)--lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibody. The 'antiphospholipid antibody syndrome' has been described in women with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss or thrombosis with positive APA or lupus anticoagulant on two occasions. Although several treatments have been advocated, heparin and aspirin treatment is emerging as the treatment of choice for the APA syndrome associated with recurrent pregnancy loss. The rationale for prescribing aspirin in cases of recurrent reproductive failure associated with APA seropositivity is that aspirin may counter APA-mediated hypercoagulability in the choriodecidual space, a situation which if left unaddressed would traumatize the trophoblast and compromise feto-maternal exchange. Heparin on the other hand, through preventing APA from interfering with syncytialization of the early cytotrophoblast and by countering APA interference with phospholipid-decidual reactions that are vital to early implantation, might potentially promote both early implantation and subsequent placentation.

• Authors: Gautam N Allahbadia, Swati G Allahbadia
• Journal: Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics (J Assist Reprod Genet) Vol. 20 Issue 2 Pg. 82-90 (Feb 2003) ISSN: 1058-0468 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 12688592 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Anticardiolipin
• Anticoagulants
• Fibrinolytic Agents
• Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight
• Lupus Coagulation Inhibitor
• Aspirin

Topics

• Abortion, Habitual (immunology, prevention & control)
• Antibodies, Anticardiolipin (immunology)
• Anticoagulants (therapeutic use)
• Antiphospholipid Syndrome (complications, drug therapy, immunology)
• Aspirin (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Fibrinolytic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Lupus Coagulation Inhibitor (immunology)
• Pregnancy