Antiphospholipid Antibodies and Fetal Growth Restriction

Antiphospholipid Antibodies and Early Fetal Growth Restriction (<34 Weeks of Gestation). A Case Control Study.

The Antiphospholipid Syndrome is an immune disease where the presence of antibodies directed against cell membrane phospholipids (antiphospholipid antibodies) can cause an hypercoagulable state that causes thrombosis and obstetric complications (miscarriages, stillbirths). Since 1999 the Sapporo Criteria for Antiphospholipid Syndrome diagnosis includes the development of fetal growth restriction (diagnosed postpartum), but this was done without solid evidence of a relation between the two or using the most common form of fetal growth restriction diagnosis (ultrasound). Our study will try to add information to this particular point.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Gestational age between 24-34 weeks.

• Ultrasonographic evidence of fetal growth restriction

  • Abdominal circumference < 3rd percentile.
  • Doppler with increase of placental resistance.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Known antiphospholipid syndrome.
• Known presence of antiphospholipid antibodies.
• Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.