Histopathological findings in placentae from patients with intra-uterine fetal death and anti-phospholipid antibodies

doi:10.1016/0028-2243(91)90021-C

European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology

Volume 41, Issue 3, 8 October 1991, Pages 179-186

https://doi.org/10.1016/0028-2243(91)90021-C Get rights and content

Abstract

Anti-phospholipid antibodies are associated with first trimester abortions and late intra-uterine fetal death. The histopathology of 47 placentae from 45 women with intra-uterine fetal death, including 16 patients with anti-phospholipid antibodies, was studied in order to detect potential differences between placentae from women with and without these antibodies. Thirteen patients had systemic lupus erythematosus or lupus-like disease, including 6 women with anti-phospholipid antibodies.

In placentae from patients with anti-phospholipid antibodies, a decrease in vasculo-syncytial membranes, fibrosis mainly in infarcted areas, hypovascular villi and thrombosis or infarction was seen significantly more often than in placentae from women without these antibodies. Of 17 placentae from 16 patients with anti-phospholipid antibodies, only 3 did not demonstrate signs of thrombosis or infarction. Thrombosis/infarction was significantly associated with a decrease in vasculo-syncytial membranes, fibrosis, hypovascular villi and an increase in syncytial knots. These findings are most likely to be the result of prolonged hypoxia due to thrombosis or infarction.

It is concluded that thrombosis or infarctions are prominent features in placentae from patients with anti-phospholipid antibodies and intra-uterine fetal death. Consequently, antithrombotic treatment during pregnancy forms a rational approach in these patients.

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Comparar características clínicas, analíticas, tratamiento y tasa de hijos vivos entre gestantes con Síndrome Antifosfolípido Obstétrico (SAFO) y gestantes con morbilidad obstétrica relacionada con el síndrome que no cumplen los criterios de clasificación actuales.
Estudio observacional retrospectivo y prospectivo multicéntrico: datos de once hospitales terciarios europeos recogidos en el European Registry on Antiphospholipid Syndrome.
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Regular paperHistopathological findings in placentae from patients with intra-uterine fetal death and anti-phospholipid antibodies

Abstract

Fertil Steril

Lancet

Am J Obstet Gynecol

Lancet

Am J Obstet Gynecol

Anti-phospholipid antibodies: autoantibodies with a difference

Annu Rev Med

Lupus anticoagulant: revival of an old phenomenon

Clin Exp Rheumatol

Pathogenetic potential of anti-phospholipid antibodies

J Rheumatol

Anti-phospholipid antibodies in unselected patients with repeated abortion

Hum Reprod

Lupus anticoagulant, thrombosis and fetal loss

N Engl J Med

Obstetric complications associated with the lupus anticoagulant

N Engl J Med

Heparin therapy of pregnant women with lupus anticoagulant or anti-cardiolipin antibodies

Obstet Gynecol

Antibody to cardiolipin as a predictor of fetal distress or death in pregnant patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

N Engl J Med

Regular paper
Histopathological findings in placentae from patients with intra-uterine fetal death and anti-phospholipid antibodies