Antiphospholipid syndrome in pregnancy: a comprehensive literature review.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Broad comprehensive review synthesizing pathophysiology, observational studies, and interventions across a single database search rather than a focused systematic review of randomized trials alone.
PubMed 40128683 · doi:10.1186/s12884-025-07471-w
What was done
A comprehensive search of PubMed was conducted to review the pathogenesis, diagnostic standards, and therapeutic interventions for obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (OAPS). The authors included randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and systematic reviews evaluating maternal and fetal outcomes such as recurrent pregnancy loss, preeclampsia, and fetal growth restriction.
What was found
The abstract provides no quantitative data or pooled statistical effect sizes. Qualitatively, the review notes that lupus anticoagulant serves as a key predictor of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Low-dose aspirin combined with heparin is supported to reduce miscarriage rates, adjunctive hydroxychloroquine is associated with improved live birth rates and reduced preterm birth in high-risk cases, and TNF-alpha inhibitors and nitric oxide modulators are identified as emerging options for refractory disease.
Why it matters
Obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome is a major cause of pregnancy complications, and this review maps standard combined anticoagulant/antiplatelet regimens alongside newer adjunctive options for refractory disease.
Limits
The abstract does not state the number of included studies, total sample size, or quantitative effect estimates. Search methods were restricted to a single database (PubMed), and details regarding study quality appraisal, risk of bias, or heterogeneity are not reported.
Cited by
- supports Antiphospholipid syndrome is a hypercoagulable state that during pregnancy can cause placental blood clots and recurrent miscarriages.