Investigators Identify Antibody Biomarkers That May Improve Outcomes for Pregnant Women with Lupus
Scientists found late pregnancy complications were more frequent in women with antiphosphatidylserine/prothrombin (aPS/PT) antibodies in women with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Complications included, intrauterine fetal death, preterm delivery, preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).
The researchers followed 55 women with APS who were seeking pregnancy for 24 months. They examined the placentas of the women after cesarean or vaginal delivery for presence or absence of aPS/PT. Of the group, 65% were aPS/PT positive and 34% were negative. The rate of complications during pregnancy was higher in aPS/PT+ (79%) than in aPS/PT- women (57%). The duration of the pregnancy and the mean newborn weight at delivery were both significantly lower in aPS/PT+ women. Twelve of 33 (36%) aPS/PT+ versus 0 of 14 aPS/PT-patients had preeclampsia.
The results of this study are significant to pregnant woman with lupus because knowing more about these antibodies may provide early information about pregnancy complications and lead to improved outcomes for pregnant women. The presence of aPS/PT might further contribute to the identification of patients at higher risk of IUGR and/or preeclampsia. APS can occur both in people with lupus and those without lupus. Fifty percent of people with lupus have APS. Learn about antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and pregnancy.