Antiphospholipid antibody-associated recurrent pregnancy loss: treatment with heparin and low-dose aspirin is superior to low-dose aspirin alone

Article Abstract:

Women who continue to miscarry because of antiphospholipid antibody (APA) syndrome may be treated more effectively with a combination of heparin and low-dose aspirin than with low-dose aspirin alone. The APA syndrome is an immunologic response to negatively-charged phospholipids and may cause blood clots in the placenta, leading to death of the fetus. Researchers compared the effectiveness of low-dose aspirin to that of heparin and low-dose aspirin in 50 women with APA syndrome. Eighty percent (20 out of 25) of women receiving the combination treatment delivered viable infants, while 44% (11 out of 25) of women treated with low-dose aspirin alone delivered viable infants. The maternal and obstetric complication rates in both treatment groups were low.

Evaluation, Drug therapy, Antiphospholipid syndrome, Aspirin, Miscarriage, Heparin

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Assessing the variation in antiphospholipid antibody (APA) assays: Comparison of results from 10 centers

Article Abstract:

A study determines the variability of antiphospholipid antibody (APA) assay results of cardiolipin and other frequently tested phospholipids. Laboratory concordance of results from 20 patient samples among the 10 centers was found only 55% when considered in a clinical diagnosis of APA syndrome while, agreement of test results was found 83.8% when a single phospholipid is considered of a single immunoglobulin isotype.

United States, Science & research, Research, Diagnosis, Surveys, Antiphospholipid antibodies, Cardiolipin

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Quantification of immunoglobulins and cytokines in human cervical mucus during each trimester of pregnancy

Article Abstract:

Immunoglobulin G levels in cervical mucus decrease and cytokine levels increase as pregnancy progresses. On the other hand, immunoglobulin A levels remain the same throughout pregnancy. Immunoglobulins and cytokines are both components of the immune system.

Physiological aspects, Immunoglobulins, Pregnancy, Cytokines

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