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Several Medications Effectively Reduce Risk of Recurrent Miscarriages in Women with Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Research finds that low-dose aspirin combined with heparin, a blood-thinning medication, is an effective first-line defense against recurrent miscarriages in women with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Hydroxychloroquine, intravenous immunoglobulin, and prednisone were also found to be effective treatments when added to current medication regimens.
APS is a blood disorder that can lead to blood clots and complications during pregnancy, including preeclampsia, preterm birth, low birthweight, and intrauterine growth restriction, and multiple miscarriages. APS is characterized by the presence of anti-phospholipid antibodies in the blood, a common complication of lupus. Up to 40% of people with lupus test positive for these antibodies.
To assess and compare the efficacy of currently available treatments against recurrent miscarriages in women with APS, researchers examined data from 54 studies and nearly 5,000 study participants. They found each of the following treatments, or treatment combinations, effectively reduced risk of miscarriage:
- Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH)
- Aspirin plus LMWH or unfractionated heparin
- Aspirin plus LMWH plus intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)
- Aspirin plus LMWH plus IVIG plus prednisone
Additionally, aspirin alone was associated with a higher risk of preterm birth than aspirin plus LMWH. It was also associated with lower birthweight compared to LMHW. Each treatment was found to be roughly equally acceptable to patients, meaning there were no significant differences in the amount of people who chose to stop treatment. The latest study results strengthen the evidence supporting the use of low-dose aspirin in combination with heparin as the first-line treatment to prevent recurrent miscarriages in women with APS.
Consult with your physician before making any medication changes. Learn about antiphospholipid syndrome.