Prothrombotic gene mutations in women with recurrent abortions and intrauterine fetal death

AIM: The factor V Leiden mutation (FVL) and the G20210 prothrombin gene mutation (FII G20210A) are well-established risk factors for venous thromboembolism. In the recent years many scientific reports have suggested that these defects are associated with an increased risk of intrauterine fetal death. The aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence of these molecular defects in subjects with history of unexplained pregnancy loss. METHODS: One-hundred and fifty women, 99 with history of unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (between the 13th and the 20th week of gestation) and 51 with history of unexplained fetal death (pregnancy loss after the 20th week of gestation) were studied for hereditary thrombophilia. Physiologic coagulation inhibitors (antithrombin III, protein C, protein S) were in the normal range. RESULTS: The prevalence of FVL and FII G20210A mutations was compared in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss and in a control group of 115 healthy women, without history of pregnancy loss (6.1% and 8.1% for FVL and FII G20210A respectively vs 2.6% for both mutations in the control group, P=0.36 for FVL and P=0.13 for FII G20210A). FVL and FII G20210A mutations were significantly more prevalent in women with fetal death (19.6%, P=0.001 for both mutations). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that the screening for the FVL and FII G20210A mutations is useful in the setting of unexplained early and late pregnancy loss. Further studies are necessary in order to clarify the real impact of prothrombotic molecular defects on the pregnancy outcome and then to evaluate the appropriate therapeutic approach.     

How strong is the association between maternal thrombophilia and adverse pregnancy outcome? A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether inherited and acquired thrombophilias are associated with adverse obstetric complications. STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review; studies where women with adverse obstetric complications were tested for one or more acquired and inherited thrombophilias were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of thrombophilia in women with severe pre-eclampsia/eclampsia, severe placental abruption, intrauterine growth restriction or unexplained stillbirth. RESULTS: Compared with controls, placental abruption was more often associated with homozygous and heterozygous factor V Leiden mutation, heterozygous G20210A prothrombin gene mutation, homocysteinaemia, activated protein C resistance or anticardiolipin IgG antibodies. Women with pre-eclampsia/eclampsia were more likely to have heterozygous factor V Leiden mutation, heterozygous G20210A prothrombin gene mutation, homozygous MTHFR C677T mutation, protein C deficiency, protein S deficiency or activated protein C resistance compared with controls. Unexplained stillbirth, when compared with controls, was more often associated with heterozygous factor V Leiden mutation, protein S deficiency, activated protein C resistance, anticardiolipin IgG antibodies or lupus anticoagulant. Women with intrauterine growth restriction had a higher prevalence of heterozygous G20210A prothrombin gene mutation, homozygous MTHFR C677T gene mutation, protein S deficiency or anticardiolipin IgG antibodies than controls. There was wide heterogeneity in the prevalence of thrombophilia between the studies. CONCLUSIONS: Women with adverse pregnancy outcome are more likely to have a positive thrombophilia screen but studies published so far are too small to adequately assess the true size of this association. Screening for thrombophilia should not become standard practice until clear evidence emerges that thromboprophylaxis during pregnancy improves perinatal outcome. Further research into the link between the observed association, causality and heterogeneity is required.     

Frequency of selected thrombophilias in women with placental abruption

OBJECTIVE: There is a growing view that inherited or acquired thrombophilia may predispose a woman towards an adverse pregnancy outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate whether risk factors for placental abruption because of such thrombophilias (such as carriership of factor V Leiden (FVL), prothrombin G20210A gene mutation and homozygous MTHFR C677T) might be used as a predictor for placental abruption. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study conducted at the University Hospital, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic. One hundred and eighty women with placental abruption out of 20,175 deliveries (0.79%) were compared to 196 unselected gravidae. A detailed medical history was taken with special reference to factors related to hypercoagulation and blood was drawn for polymerase chain reaction analysis. The prevalence of FVL, prothrombin G20210A and MTHFR C677T was related to placental abruption. RESULTS: The heterozygous form of FVL was present in 20of 142 cases (14.1%) in the placental abruption group, compared to ten of 196 (5.1%) in the control group (odds ratio 3.0, 95% confidence interval 1.4-6.7). CONCLUSIONS: We found that factor V Leiden is a significant risk factor for placental abruption.     

The investigation of hereditary and acquired thrombophilia risk factors in the development of complications in pregnancy in Croatian women

Objectives: To investigate the genetic and acquired thrombophilic risk factors in pregnancy-associated complications and venous thromboembolism (VTE) and evaluate the association between particular thrombophilic risk factors and thromboembolic complications.

Methods: In this study, pregnant women with pregnancy complications and VTE (N?=?101) were the study group, and the control group were women with normal pregnancy (N?=?102). All women underwent testing for factor V Leiden mutation (FVL), mutation of the coagulation factors II (FII20210), methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, antithrombin III (ATIII), protein C (PC) and protein S, lupus anticoagulant (LAC) antibodies, anticardiolipin antibodies and anti-beta-2-glycoprotein-1.

Results: In this study group, mutations of the FVL was 15.8% (16/101), FII20210 5.9% (6/101) and the MTHFR at locus 677 was TT in 19.8% (20/101). Deficiency of ATIII and PC were rare: 3.0% and 1.0%, respectively. LAC were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group: 32.7% versus 3.9%; p?<?0.0005. Pregnant women with VTE have been more frequent for FVL (41.7%; p?<?0.005), PC deficiency (25.0%; p?<?0.005) and LAC (33.3%; p?<?0.005). Combination of FVL and MTHFR mutation was related to the risk of recurrent fetal death and habitual abortion.

Conclusion: The inherited and the acquired thrombophilic risk factors were found to be up to 10 times more common in the study group than in the control group.     

Genetic thrombophilic defects (Factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A, MTHFR C677T) in women with recurrent fetal loss

Maternal thrombophilia (inherited and acquired) has recently been identified as a major cause of thrombembolism, but it may also contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes and recurrent pregnancy loss. To determine the association of specific inherited thrombophilias and recurrent fetal loss (RFL), three gene mutations (Factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A, MTHFR C677T) were investigated. The prevalence of the thrombophilic markers was compared in 156 women with history of fetal loss in different trimester of pregnancy and 80 matched controls. At least one thrombophilic defect was found in 28.2% of total study group women compared with 16.2% in controls (p=0.06; OR-2.02) and in 50% of women with RFL in third trimester (p=0.008; OR-5.15). Factor V Leiden was more common in the group of women with fetal loss in third trimester (37.5%) compared to the controls (6.2%) (p=0.002; OR-9.0). Presence of FVL was associated with a significant increased risk for RFL in second and third trimester (OR-6.25; P<0.001) and significant protection for RFL in first trimester (OR-0.16; P<0.001). Mutation prothrombin G20210A or MTHFR C677T was more common in group of women with fetal loss in first trimester compared to the controls (28.3% vs. 11.2% respectively; p=0.009; OR-3.11). The presence of either of these mutations was associated with no significant increased risk for RFL in first trimester (OR-2.5). Genetic thrombophilic defects are common in women with RFL and are associated with late fetal loss. This association is manifest by FVL rather than total number of defects involved.     

Second-trimester maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) is elevated in women with adverse pregnancy outcome associated with inherited thrombophilias

Obstetric complications, such as severe pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, abruptio placentae, or stillbirth are associated with abnormally elevated second-trimester maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) and beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotrophin (betahCG). This has been attributed to placental abnormalities. Women with thrombophilias have been shown to have abnormalities of the placenta resulting in adverse pregnancy outcome in these patients. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether women with pregnancy complications and inherited thrombophilias have abnormally elevated second-trimester MSAFP or betahCG. Sixty-two women with pregnancy complications were tested for inherited thrombophilias several months after delivery. The thrombophilia group included 29 women with pregnancy complications and an inherited thrombophilia and the control group included 33 other patients without thrombophilia. Patients in the thrombophilia group had a higher median MoM MSAFP compared to the controls (1.337 vs. 1.086, p=0.0516). The incidence of abnormally elevated MSAFP (>2.5 MoM) was also significantly higher in the thrombophilia group compared to controls (21% vs. 3%, p=0.04). Neither the median MoM betahCG nor the incidence of abnormally elevated betahCG were significantly different between the groups. We conclude that second trimester MSAFP, but not betahCG, is abnormally elevated in patients with thrombophilia and obstetric complications.     

Combined inherited thrombophilia and adverse pregnancy outcome

Inherited thrombophilia has been suggested as a possible condition of increased susceptibility to adverse pregnancy outcomes. In our prospective study, we investigated the association between combined inherited thrombophilia and adverse pregnancy outcome in the South-Western Greek population. Three hundred and ninety-six healthy Greek women with spontaneous pregnancies were investigated for combinations of the three commonest thrombophilic mutations (Factor II G20210A, Factor V Leiden and MTHFR C677T) and followed for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed by Pearson's chi-square test. Four women (1%) had the FV Leiden/MTHFR T677T double genotype and two women (0.5%) had the FII G20210A/MTHFR T677T double genotype. Although the small number of cases of combined inherited thrombophilia, it seems that the presence of FV Leiden/MTHFR T677T double genotype increases the risk for placental abruption.     

Prothrombin 20210 G-->A, MTHFR C677T mutations in women with venous thromboembolism associated with pregnancy

Over 50 unselected women with maternal venous thromboembolism were screened for the prothrombin 20210 G→A and MTHFR C677T mutations, in addition to screening for other thrombophilias. The prevalence of thrombophilia in these women was compared with its prevalence in the general population in our area. The prothrombin (OR 4.4; 95% CI 1.2-16) and factor V Leiden (OR 4.5; 95% CI 2.1-14.5) mutations were more common in our patients, compared with the general population, whereas women homozygous for the C677T mutation in the methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase gene (OR 0.45; 95% CI 0.13-1.58) were not. It is recommended that women with a personal or strong family history of venous thromboembolism should be screened for the prothrombin mutation either before or early in pregnancy, in addition to screening for other thrombophilias. Screening for the MTHFR mutation does not appear to identify women at increased risk of maternal venous thrombosis.     

Inherited thrombophilia screening in Greek women with recurrent fetal loss

OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to determine the prevalence of factor V Leiden (FVL), prothrombin gene G20210A (PTG) and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR C677T) mutations in women from South-Western Greece with recurrent fetal loss (RFL) and negative personal thromboembolic history. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 212 women with RFL and 181 women with at least two pregnancies with normal outcome and no history of pregnancy loss were investigated for the commonest thrombophilic mutations (FVL, PTG, MTHFR C677T). Comparisons between groups were performed by Pearson's chi-square test and odd ratios were calculated. RESULTS: An abnormal genotype was detected in 49 women of the study group (23.1%) and in 41 women of the control group (22.6%). CONCLUSION: Inherited thrombophilia screening is not indicated as an initial approach in Greek women with RFL and negative personal thromboembolic history.     

Association between in vitro fertilization outcomes and inherited thrombophilias: a meta-analysis

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine whether in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes are associated with inherited thrombophilias.

Methods

Several databases including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were retrieved up to 12 January 2016. The quality of the included studies was assessed by two authors. The associations of the following mutations in inherited thrombophilias and IVF outcomes were explored: factor V Leiden (FVL), prothrombin gene G20210A mutation (PGM), 5,10-methylentetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T, MTHFR (A1298C) and activated protein C resistance (APCR). The main outcome measures included CPR and implantation rate (IR). The relative risk (RR) and its 95 % confidence interval (CI) were calculated for effect index. Heterogeneity test was evaluated by Chi-square based on Q statistic and I ² statistics.

Results

A total of seven articles published between 2007 and 2015 with the ages of subjects between 30.9 and 36.2 were included. For subgroups analysis of CPR or IR, there were no significant differences in MTHFR (C377T), MTHFR (A1298C), FVL, PGM, and FVL/PGM mutation were found between the mutation group and control group (P?>?0. 05).

Conclusions

IVF outcomes are not associated with FVL, PGM, MTHFR (C677T), MTHFR (A1298C), and APCR mutation in inherited thrombophilias.

     

Plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 activity in women with unexplained very early recurrent pregnancy loss

The aim of the study was to assess the independent role of polymorphism 4G/5G (PL 4G/5G)--genotype 4G/4G in plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) in the development of very early recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL)--before 10 weeks of gestation of pregnancy. The polymorphism 4G/5G as well as Factor V Leiden (FVL), prothrombin (FII) gene mutation 20210 G > A and polymorphism 677 C > T in methylentetrahydrofolat reductase (MTHFR) gene was investigated in 110 women with recurrent pregnancy loss before 10 weeks of gestation and in 97 healthy women with at least one uncomplicated full-term pregnancy. A significant prevalence of PL 4G/5G in women with RPL was found in comparison to prevalence of the polymorphism in controls (41.8% versus 26.8% respectively in patients and controls, OR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.05 3.69, p = 0.034). The difference in prevalence of the polymorphism remains still significant after exclusion of patients and control carriers of FVL, FII 202010 G > A and 677 C > T in MTHFR (the prevalence of PL 4G/5G alone was 44.1% and 24% respectively in patients and controls, OR: 2,5, 95% CI: 1,15 5, 45, p = 0.018). The found association of PL 4G/5G in PAI-1 with early recurrent pregnancy loss encourage an extension of the list of inherited thrombophilic factors with this one. This result also could have had an implication for adjustment of further prophylactic low-molecular weight heparin implication in further pregnancy to prevent a poor foetal outcome.     

Thrombophilia and the risk for venous thromboembolism during pregnancy, delivery, and puerperium

The main inherited thrombophilias (antithrombin deficiency, protein C and S deficiency, FVL, the prothrombin gene variant, and MTHFR C677T homozygotes) have a combined prevalence in Western European populations of 15% to 20%. One or more of these inherited thrombophilias is usually found in approximately 50% of women who have a personal history of VTE. Obstetricians must therefore be aware of the interaction between thrombophilias and the procoagulant state of pregnancy and should have an understanding of additional risk factors that may act synergistically with thrombophilias to induce VTE. Such knowledge combined with the appropriate use of thromboprophylaxis and treatment in women who have objectively confirmed VTE continue to improve maternal and perinatal outcomes.     

遗传性易栓症与不良妊娠结局的研究进展

近年研究发现妊娠期易栓症的发生呈增加趋势。易栓症分为遗传性易栓症和获得性易栓症,遗传性易栓症主要与凝血基因突变所致的蛋白表达异常有关,包括因子VLeiden(FVL)、凝血酶原基因G20210A、亚甲基四氢叶酸还原酶(MTHFR)基因突变以及蛋白S(PS)、蛋白C(PC)和抗凝血酶(AT)缺乏等。凝血、抗凝及纤溶系统功能失调可引起胎盘灌注不良,不良妊娠结局如子痫前期(PE)、胎盘早剥、胎儿生长受限(FGR)和习惯性流产等可能与此有关。但遗传性易栓症是否是造成不良妊娠结局的直接因素以及预防性抗凝是否可以改善妊娠结局仍需进一步探讨。综述遗传性易栓症与不良妊娠结局的关系,评估预防性抗凝的必要性,为临床诊断和治疗提供思路。     

Perinatal outcome in women with severe pregnancy complications and multiple thrombophilias

Hypercoagulability leading to placental thrombosis has been implicated in severe pregnancy complications. We compared the perinatal outcome in women with severe preeclampsia, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and severe abruptio placentae and multiple acquired and inherited thrombophilias (study group, n=22) to matched women with similar complications and single thrombophilia (control group, n=22). Gestational age at delivery and birth weight were significantly lower in the study group compared to the control group (p<0.01) and among the study women with severe preeclampsia and IUGR. Severe pregnancy complications may occur earlier during pregnancy and more seriously affect perinatal outcome in women with multiple thrombophilias.     

Low molecular weight heparin treatment and impact of inherited thrombophilia type in pregnancies with previous adverse outcome

Objective: To assess the impact of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) treatment in 50 pregnancies of women with inherited thrombophilia and adverse pregnancy outcome (APO) in previous untreated pregnancies. The impact of “Conventional” (FVL, PT, AT, PC, PS) and “Novel” (MTHFR, PAI-1, ACE) thrombophilias on APO was investigated.

Methods: The primary outcomes (PO) were: early and late pregnancy loss (EPL, LPL), preterm birth (PTB) or term birth (TB) compared to the last untreated pregnancies of the same women. Secondary outcomes (SO) were APO in LMWH treated and last untreated pregnancies ended with birth. PO and SO were compared in relation to the thrombophilia type.

Results: LMWH decreased EPL and LPL rate and improved TB rate compared with last untreated pregnancies (p?<?0.001). There were less PTB (p?=?0.019) and no cases of intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) (p?=?0.0019) in LWMH-treated pregnancies. The division to Conventional and Novel thrombophilias showed: (a) difference between pregnancy losses and birth rate (p?=?0.0069) and (b) no difference in the prevalence of APO in untreated pregnancies ended with birth.

Conclusions: LMWH treatment improves pregnancy outcome in women with inherited thrombophilia and APO in previous pregnancies. Novel thrombophilias have the equal impact on the pregnancy outcome compared to the Conventional thrombophilias.     

Acquired and inherited thrombophilia disorders in pregnancy

Thromboembolism is the leading cause of antepartum and postpartum maternal mortality. The presence of antiphospholipid antibodies is responsible for many pregnancy losses and other morbidities in pregnant women, and is the most prevalent and treatable cause of acquired thrombophilia in pregnancy. There is also evidence that women with thrombophilia are at increased risk not only of pregnancy-related venous thromboembolism but other vascular pregnancy complications. Many studies have examined the association between thrombophilia and pregnancy complications. This article reviews the most up-to-date knowledge of prevalence, pathogenesis, and diagnosis of acquired and inherited thrombophilias and their relationship and association with pregnancy complications.     

Analyzes of three common thrombophilic gene mutations in German women with recurrent abortions

BACKGROUND: Several etiological factors have been proposed as a cause for recurrent fetal abortions. Changes in blood coagulation during pregnancy may play an important role in the occurrence of recurrent abortions (RA). METHODS: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of factor V Leiden, factor II prothrombin, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) mutations in women with recurrent abortions (> or =2 abortions) in the German population. The mean number of abortions was 3 (range 2-8). RESULTS: Frequencies of the factor V Leiden mutation and the prothrombin G20210A mutation were equally high in the patient group compared with our control group (for factor V Leiden: 11/101 vs. 9/122; p-value: 0.348; for prothrombin G20210A: 2/101 vs. 3/122; p-value: 0.81). Moreover, in both the patient and control groups, 15 of the women were homozygous for the MTHFR C677T allele (15/101 vs. 15/122; p-value: 0.635). The occurrence of FV Leiden, FII and MTHFR mutations was not significantly increased in the patient group compared with our control group. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study reveal no relationship between these common three thrombophilic mutations and recurrent abortions for the German population, and further studies are essentially recommended on whether a thrombophilia evaluation should be performed in patients with recurrent abortions.     

Inheritance and perinatal consequences of inherited thrombophilia in Greece.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of inherited thrombophilic factors on the gestational outcome of unselected pregnant women. METHOD: A total of 392 women with spontaneous pregnancy were investigated for Factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A, and MTHFR C677T mutations. Adverse pregnancy outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Thrombophilic genotypes were significantly higher in women with placental abruption. Heterozygocity for Factor V Leiden increased the risk for placental abruption 9.1 times. The MTHFR T677T genotype increased the risk for placental abruption 4.8 times despite folate supplements, and normal serum folate and B(12) levels. Women with inherited thrombophilia and previous obstetric complications were at significant risk for complications in a subsequent pregnancy (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Women with placental abruption should be screened for thrombophilic factors and plasma homocysteine should be measured. Subgroups of women with inherited thrombophilia and obstetric complications might benefit from prophylactic anticoagulation in subsequent pregnancies.     

Inherited thrombophilias and adverse pregnancy outcome: screening and management

Inherited thrombophilias are a heterogenous group of conditions which have been implicated in a variety of pregnancy complications. Evidence is mounting that implicates these inherited disorders in a range of pregnancy outcomes, including recurrent miscarriage, late fetal loss, preeclampsia, abruptio placentae, and intrauterine growth restriction. The most commonly identified inherited thrombophilias consist of Factor V Leiden and the prothrombin gene mutation G20210A. Rarer inherited thrombophilic conditions include deficiencies of protein S, C and antithrombin. More recently, deficiency of protein Z has been linked to pregnancy complications, including preterm delivery. Clinical manifestations often are associated with the presence of more than one inherited thrombophilia, consistent with their multigenic nature. Some, but not all, studies investigating the use of heparin to prevent adverse pregnancy outcome have demonstrated a benefit. However, an adequate randomized trial is required to definitively determine whether heparin anticoagulation is the best prevention option in patients who harbor one or more inherited thrombophilias and are at risk for adverse pregnancy outcome. This review will summarize the association of thrombophilic conditions and obstetrical complications.     

Factor V Leiden mutation in pregnancy

Normal maternal adaptation to pregnancy significantly increases the risk for thrombus formation. Inherited thrombophilias further increase risk for deep venous thrombosis and adverse outcome in pregnancy. Factor V Leiden mutation is the most common inherited thrombophilia, occurring in approximately 5% of the White and 1% of the Black populations. Nurses should be knowledgeable about screening for and diagnosis of factor V Leiden mutation, risk reduction counseling, recommended care of the affected patient, and implications of anticoagulant therapy during the perinatal period.