Incidence of anticardiolipin antibodies and lupus anticoagulant factor among women experiencing unexplained recurrent abortion and intrauterine fetal death

The aim of this research study was to estimate anticardiolipin (IgG & IgM) antibodies (aCL) and lupus anticoagulant (LA) factor in patients of recurrent unexplained pregnancy loss and intrauterine fetal deaths (IUFD). 82 women were selected for this study by virtue of having more than two consecutive unexplained pregnancy losses in their first trimester and were referred by the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Saud Medical City Hospital, Riyadh, KSA. All patients had gone through a standardized investigation sequence. Lupus anticoagulants and Anticardiolipin antibodies (IgM and IgG) were detected in the serum by the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay method. To check the significance of aCL and LA, two-tailed t-test was done. Non parametric data was calculated either by Chi-Square test or Fischer exact test when relevant. Total 82 females grouped as 52 cases of recurrent (≥ 2) mainly first and second trimester miscarriage and 30 cases of recurrent (≥ 2) late intrauterine fetal death. Lupus anticoagulants was observed in twenty one (21) cases (25.6%) while anticardiolipin antibodies IgM and or IgG positive cases were estimated in forty four (44) cases (53.65%). The prevalence of APS in both studied group was thirty five (35) cases (42.68%). Antiphospholipid antibodies are calculated as the most important reason for recurrent abortion. The patients with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss must be advised to go for a screening test for all this aPL antibodies.