Primary prophylaxis to prevent obstetric complications in asymptomatic women with antiphospholipid antibodies: a systematic review

Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Consult Series #64: Systemic lupus erythematosus in pregnancy

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, multisystem, inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by relapses (commonly called "flares") and remission. Many organs may be involved, and although the manifestations are highly variable, the kidneys, joints, and skin are commonly affected. Immunologic abnormalities, including the production of antinuclear antibodies, are also characteristic of the disease. Maternal morbidity and mortality are substantially increased in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, and an initial diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus during pregnancy is associated with increased morbidity. Common complications of systemic lupus erythematosus include nephritis, hematologic complications such as thrombocytopenia, and a variety of neurologic abnormalities. The purpose of this document is to examine potential pregnancy complications and to provide recommendations on treatment and management of systemic lupus erythematosus during pregnancy. The following are the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine recommendations: (1) we recommend low-dose aspirin beginning at 12 weeks of gestation until delivery in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus to decrease the occurrence of preeclampsia (GRADE 1B); (2) we recommend that all patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, other than those with quiescent disease, either continue or initiate hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in pregnancy (GRADE 1B); (3) we suggest that for all other patients with quiescent disease activity who are not taking HCQ or other medications, it is reasonable to engage in shared decision-making regarding whether to initiate new therapy with this medication in consultation with the patient's rheumatologist (GRADE 2B); (4) we recommend that prolonged use (>48 hours) of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) generally be avoided during pregnancy (GRADE 1A); (5) we recommend that COX-2 inhibitors and full-dose aspirin be avoided during pregnancy (GRADE 1B); (6) we recommend discontinuing methotrexate 1-3 months and mycophenolate mofetil/mycophenolic acid at least 6 weeks before attempting pregnancy (GRADE 1A); (7) we suggest the decision to initiate, continue, or discontinue biologics in pregnancy be made in collaboration with a rheumatologist and be individualized to the patient (GRADE 2C); (8) we suggest treatment with a combination of prophylactic unfractionated or low-molecular-weight heparin and low-dose aspirin for patients without a previous thrombotic event who meet obstetrical criteria for antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) (GRADE 2B); (9) we recommend therapeutic unfractionated or low-molecular-weight heparin for patients with a history of thrombosis and antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies (GRADE 1B); (10) we suggest treatment with low-dose aspirin alone in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid antibodies without clinical events meeting criteria for antiphospholipid syndrome (GRADE 2C); (11) we recommend that steroids not be routinely used for the treatment of fetal heart block due to anti-Sjögren's-syndrome-related antigen A or B (anti-SSA/SSB) antibodies given their unproven benefit and the known risks for both the pregnant patient and fetus (GRADE 1C); (12) we recommend that serial fetal echocardiograms for assessment of the PR interval not be routinely performed in patients with anti-SSA/SSB antibodies outside of a clinical trial setting (GRADE 1B); (13) we recommend that patients with systemic lupus erythematosus undergo prepregnancy counseling with both maternal-fetal medicine and rheumatology specialists that includes a discussion regarding maternal and fetal risks (GRADE 1C); (14) we recommend that pregnancy be generally discouraged in patients with severe maternal risk, including patients with active nephritis; severe pulmonary, cardiac, renal, or neurologic disease; recent stroke; or pulmonary hypertension (GRADE 1C); (15) we recommend antenatal testing and serial growth scans in pregnant patients with systemic lupus erythematosus because of the increased risk of fetal growth restriction (FGR) and stillbirth (GRADE 1B); and (16) we recommend adherence to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (GRADE 1B).

Anticoagulant Therapy in Patients with Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by the persistent positivity of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLA) together with thrombosis or obstetrical complications. Despite their recognized predominant role, aPLA are not sufficient to induce the development of thrombosis and a second hit has been proposed to be necessary. The mainstay of treatment of APS is anticoagulant therapy. However, its optimal intensity in different presentations of the disease remains undefined. Moreover, decision on which patients with aPLA would benefit from an antithrombotic prophylaxis and its optimal intensity are challenging because of the lack of stratification tools for the risk of thrombosis. Finally, decision on the optimal type of anticoagulant drug is also complex because the central pathway responsible for the development of thrombosis is so far unknown and should be carried out on an individual basis after a careful evaluation of the clinical and laboratory features of the patient. This review addresses the epidemiology, physiopathology, diagnosis and management of thrombosis and obstetrical complications in APS, with a special focus on the role of direct oral anticoagulants.

Non-Criteria Obstetric Antiphospholipid Syndrome: How Different Is from Sidney Criteria? A Single-Center Study

This study aims to compare the demographic characteristics, clinical features, serology, and fetal-maternal outcomes between women with obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and those with non-criteria (NC)-APS and seronegative (SN)-APS. Two-hundred and sixty-three women with APS obstetric morbidity ever pregnant were included. Of those, 66 met the APS classification criteria, 140 were NC-APS, and 57 were SN-APS. Patients with other autoimmune diseases were excluded. Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO) included early pregnancy loss, fetal death, preeclampsia, abruptio placentae, and preterm birth. The mean age of the study group was 33.6 ± 5.3 years, and patients were followed up for 129.5 ± 81.9 months. In the NC-APS group, 31 (22.1%) did not fulfill clinical and serological criteria (Subgroup A), 49 (35%) did meet clinical but not serologic criteria (Subgroup B), and 60 (42.9%) fulfilled the serologic criteria but not the clinical ones (Subgroup C). The cardiovascular risk burden was higher in the APS group, due to a higher proportion of smoking. Patients with criteria APS received more intensive treatment than patients in the other study groups. The addition of standard of care (SoC) treatment significantly improved live birth and decreased APO in all groups. Significant clinical differences were observed between the study groups. However, when treated with SoC, fetal-maternal outcomes were similar, with a significant improvement in live births and a decrease in APO. Risk stratification in patients with obstetric morbidity associated with APS can help individualize their treatment.

Antiphospholipid Antibodies in Pregnancy: Maternal and Neonatal Implications

Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL Abs) have long been associated with the occurrence of certain specific pregnancy morbidities, affecting both mother and fetus. Antithrombotic-based prophylactic regimens are the standard of care. Their intensity is modulated by the thrombotic history and has greatly improved the prognosis related to spontaneous morbidity. Observational studies show that this treatment is still associated with the persistence of excess of late-pregnancy placental diseases, calling for new or complementary developments, yet to be validated. Rigorous prospective multicentric validation of clinical and laboratory parameters capable of identifying those women and fetuses at a risk of pejorative evolution, thus early prognosis, is a priority issue. These will make it possible to develop customized treatments and test them. Furthermore, there are still concerns, particularly neurodevelopmental ones, about children born to aPL Ab-positive mothers, and clarification based on regular, more systematic evaluations is required. Even after pregnancy, women with a pure obstetrical antiphospholipid syndrome are at a greater risk of venous and arterial thrombosis over time, and prevention needs to be improved. These women also appear to develop more psychiatric and mood disorders. Central nervous system imaging using high-resolution techniques has shown subtle impairments in the white matter, associated with the most pathogenic aPL Abs and the clinical significance of this is under investigation. These mothers also seem to develop an excess of cancers. The systemic impact of aPL Abs is gradually being suspected, although this requires further evidence, and prevention should be envisaged.

Antiphospholipid antibodies increase endometrial stromal cell decidualization, senescence and inflammation via TLR4, ROS and p38 MAP kinase signaling

OBJECTIVE

Miscarriage affects one in seven pregnancies and antiphospholipid autoantibodies (aPL) are one of the biggest risk factors for recurrent pregnancy loss. While aPL target the endometrial stroma, little is known about their impact. Endometrial stromal cells (EnSCs) undergo decidualization each menstrual cycle, priming the uterus to receive implanting embryos. Thus, appropriate decidualization and EnSC function is key for establishment of a successful pregnancy.

METHODS

EnSCs under decidualizing conditions were exposed to aPL or control IgG alone or in the presence of either a Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) antagonist, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, a reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibitor, low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH), or acetyl salicylic acid (ASA). Secretion of decidualization markers and inflammatory interleukin (IL)-8 were quantified by ELISA, and senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity was evaluated. In a mouse model of decidualization, aPL or control IgG was administered and uterine expression of decidualization and inflammatory markers quantified by RT-qPCR.

RESULTS

aPL increased human EnSC decidualization, senescence and inflammation. This phenotype was recapitulated in the mouse model. The decidualization and inflammatory responses were partially mediated by TLR4 and p38 MAP kinase, while the decidualization and senescence responses were ROS-dependent. LMWH, commonly used to treat aPL-positive women at risk for obstetric complications, reduced the ability of aPL to increase EnSC decidualization and inflammation.

CONCLUSION

These findings shed new light on the pathogenesis of pregnancy complications in women with aPL and underscore the benefit of heparin for preventing pregnancy loss in this high-risk population.

Obstetric anti-phospholipid syndrome: from pathogenesis to treatment

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by clinical manifestations such as thrombosis and obstetric complications with documented persistence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs). Recent studies have revealed that the cause of aPL-related obstetric complications is dysfunction of placental trophoblasts and inflammation of the maternal-fetal interface induced by aPLs, not thrombosis. Although aPLs are associated with recurrence of serious complications during pregnancy, appropriate combination therapy with heparin and low-dose aspirin can improve the course of 70-80% of subsequent pregnancies. Preconception counseling and patient-tailored treatment are fundamental to improving maternal and fetal outcomes. Non-anticoagulant treatments such as hydroxychloroquine and statins are being developed for cases refractory to conventional treatment. Risk factors for thrombosis after pregnancy complications were identified based on the analysis of large databases of obstetric APS.

Anticardiolipin Positivity Is Highly Associated With Intrauterine Growth Restriction in Women With Antiphospholipid Syndrome

The purpose of our study was to evaluate pregnancy outcomes of women with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) positivity and assess risk factors associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Pregnant women with aPL positivity were enrolled prospectively in China from January 2017 to March 2020. Treatment of low-dose aspirin and low molecular weight heparin were given. Pregnancy outcomes and coagulation function were recorded and compared with normal pregnancies. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors associated to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). 270 pregnant women, including 44 diagnosed as Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), 91 as non-criteria APS (NCAPS) and 135 normal cases as control, were enrolled in the study. The live birth rate in aPL carriers and APS group was 97% and 95.5%, respectively. Adverse pregnancy outcomes did not show significant difference between aPL carriers and normal pregnancies, and between APS and NCAPS, except for IUGR. The incidence of IUGR was significantly higher in aPL carriers than normal pregnancies, and in APS patients than NCAPS (P < 0.05). After controlling for age, in vitro fertilization (IVF), pregnancy losses related to APS and treatment, anticardiolipin (aCL) positivity was the only variable significantly associated with IUGR, with an adjusted odds ratio of 4.601 (95% CI, 1.205-17.573). Better pregnant outcomes of aPL positive women, include APS and NCAPS, were achieved in our study with treatment based on low-dose aspirin (LDA) plus low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). The incidence of IUGR was still higher in them, and aCL positivity was the only one risk factor associated with IUGR.

Risk Factors for the Development of the Disease in Antiphospholipid Antibodies Carriers: A Long-term Follow-up Study

The natural history of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) carriers is not well-established. The objectives of the present study were (a) to study the probability of developing clinical criteria of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), (b) to identify potential risk factors for developing thrombosis and/or obstetric complications, (c) to study the association between the antibody profile and development of APS, and (d) to determine the efficacy of primary prophylaxis. We retrospectively analyzed 138 subjects with positive aPL who did not fulfill clinical criteria for APS. The mean follow-up time was 138 ± 63.0 months. Thirteen patients (9.4%) developed thrombosis after an average period of 73.0 ± 48.0 months. Independent risk factors for thrombosis were smoking, hypertension, thrombocytopenia, and triple aPL positivity. Low-dose acetyl salicylic acid did not prevent thrombotic events. A total of 28 obstetric complications were detected in 92 pregnancies. During the follow-up, only two women developed obstetric APS. Prophylactic treatment in pregnant women was associated with a better outcome in the prevention of early abortions. The thrombosis rate in patients with positive aPL who do not meet diagnostic criteria for APS is 0.82/100 patients-year. Smoking, hypertension, thrombocytopenia, and the aPL profile are independent risk factors for the development of thrombosis in aPL carriers. Although the incidence of obstetric complications in this population is high (31.6%), only a few of them meet APS criteria. In these women, prophylactic treatment might be effective in preventing early abortions.

North American Physician Practice Patterns in the Management of Anticoagulation in Pregnancy

Background: During pregnancy and in the postpartum period women are at increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) owing to hypercoagulability and mechanical issues, as well as nonpregnancy conditions including inherited and acquired thrombophilia. Although guidelines exist for the use of thromboprophylaxis in this setting, there are differences in the specifics of the recommendations among expert societies. We assessed the current practice patterns of North American providers in the prevention of pregnancy-associated VTE in women with thrombophilia. Methods: A survey was created and distributed with case studies and questions addressing VTE prevention during the antepartum and postpartum periods. Results: Surveys were completed by 28% of adult providers queried, with broad geographic representation. There was consistent use of a prophylactic dose of low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) ante- and postpartum for individuals with low-risk thrombophilia and past estrogen-provoked VTE but a lack of a consensus of anticoagulant (AC) use and dose in individuals with higher risk thrombophilia. There was variability in the dose selection and monitoring of AC when using induction versus spontaneous labor, with 47% of providers switching from LMWH to unfractionated heparin for those not having a scheduled delivery, and there were differences in the duration of postpartum prophylaxis based upon delivery mode. Conclusion: In this survey of North American experienced specialists' responses to a variety of commonly encountered scenarios of thrombophilia and pregnancy and the management of AC were not always consistent with published guidelines.

Management of Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), is an acquired autoimmune disorder characterised by thrombosis, pregnancy morbidity, and the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). Although venous thromboembolism is the most common manifestation, thrombotic events in APS may also occur in virtually any vascular bed, with cerebral circulation being the arterial territory most commonly affected. As APS is a heterogeneous condition, its management should be tailored with a patient-centred approach based on individual risk assessment, which includes the aPL profile, concomitant auto-immune diseases, and traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Although literature data are conflicting regarding primary prophylaxis, there is some evidence indicating that antiplatelet agents may reduce the risk of a first thrombotic event in individuals with a high-risk profile. In patients with thrombotic APS, current evidence-based guidelines recommend lifelong vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), preferably warfarin. The optimal intensity of anticoagulation following arterial thrombosis remains controversial. Arterial thrombosis should be treated either with high-intensity warfarin at a target INR > 3.0, or low-dose aspirin (LDA) combined with moderate-intensity warfarin (INR 2.0-3.0). It is recommended to avoid direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in patients with high-risk APS, mainly those with triple-positive PL and previous arterial events. They would only be used exceptionally in selected patients with low-risk venous thromboembolism (VTE). In low-risk VTE patients currently treated with a DOAC due to warfarin intolerance or a previous unstable International Normalized Ratio on warfarin, the decision of continuing DOACs would be taken in carefully selected patients. In women with obstetric APS, the combination therapy with LDA plus heparin remains the conventional strategy.

Anti-phospholipid antibodies and reproductive failures

Anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) recapitulates the link between autoimmunity and pregnancy failure: Acquired anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL) play a pathogenic role in pregnancy complications. The diagnosis of obstetric APS can easily be pursued when women present with laboratory and clinical features fulfilling the international classification criteria. Standard therapeutic approach to obstetric APS consists in the association of anti-platelet agents and anticoagulants. Most patients achieve a live birth thanks to conventional treatment; however, approximately 20% fail to respond and are managed with additional therapeutic tools added on the top of conventional treatment. Surely, a refinement of risk stratification tools would allow early identification of high-risk pregnancies that warrant tailored treatment. In real life, obstetricians and rheumatologists face complex diagnostic scenarios including women with pregnancy morbidities other than those mentioned in classification criteria such as one or two early losses and premature birth after 34 weeks due to preeclampsia or placental insufficiency, women with low-titer aPL not fulfilling criteria laboratory requirements, women with positive non-criteria aPL, asymptomatic aPL carriers, and infertile women found to be aPL-positive. This review focuses on some of the several unanswered questions related to diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic aspects in obstetric APS.

Does low-dose aspirin initiated before 11 weeks' gestation reduce the rate of preeclampsia?

OBJECTIVE DATA

Preconception or early administration of low-dose aspirin might improve endometrial growth, placental vascularization, and organogenesis. Most studies have evaluated the potential benefit of preconception or early administration of low-dose aspirin in women with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss, women who have undergone in vitro fertilization, or women with thrombophilia or antiphospholipid syndrome. These women are at an increased risk of placenta-associated complications of pregnancy, including preeclampsia, preterm delivery, and fetal growth restriction.

STUDY OUTCOMES

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of low-dose aspirin initiated at <11 weeks' gestation on the risk of preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, or any hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. Secondary outcomes included preterm delivery at <37 weeks' gestation and fetal growth restriction.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS

We searched in MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform from 1985 to November 2018. Entry criteria were randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of aspirin administered at <11 weeks' gestation in preventing preeclampsia and/or hypertensive disorders in pregnancy or improving pregnancy outcomes in women with recurrent miscarriage as compared with placebo or no treatment and outcome data available or provided by authors for >85% of the study population. Relative risks with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each study and pooled for global analysis as the effect measure. We assessed statistical heterogeneity in each meta-analysis using the χ² statistics, I², and Tau². Heterogeneity was considered substantial if an I² was greater than 50% and either the Tau² was greater than zero or there was a low P value (<0.10) in the χ² test for heterogeneity. Random-effects meta-analysis, weighted by the size of the studies, was performed to produce an overall summary on aspirin effect for each outcome. Sensitivity analysis by sequential omission of each individual study and by fixed-effects model was performed. Publication bias was not assessed because of the small number of included studies. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata release 14.0 (StataCorp).

RESULTS

The entry criteria were fulfilled by 8 randomized controlled trials on a combined total of 1426 participants. Low-dose aspirin initiated at <11 weeks' gestation was associated with a nonsignificant reduction in the risk of preeclampsia (relative risk, 0.52; 95% confidence interval, 0.23-1.17, P = .115), gestational hypertension (relative risk, 0.49; 95% confidence interval, 0.20-1.21; P = .121), and any hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (relative risk, 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.33-1.04, P = .067). Early administration of low-dose aspirin reduced the risk of preterm delivery (relative risk, 0.52; 95% confidence interval, 0.27-0.97, P = .040) but had no impact on the risk of fetal growth restriction (relative risk, 1.10; 95% confidence interval, 0.58-2.07, P = .775). Except for preterm delivery and any hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, sensitivity analysis demonstrated similar observations, therefore confirming the robustness of the analysis.

CONCLUSION

The administration of low-dose aspirin at <11 weeks' gestation in women at high risk does not decrease the risk of preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, any hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, and fetal growth restriction. However, it might reduce the risk of preterm delivery. Larger randomized controlled trials will be required to substantiate the findings.

Recommendations of the Spanish Rheumatology Society for Primary Antiphospholipid Syndrome. Part I: Diagnosis, Evaluation and Treatment

OBJECTIVE

The difficulty in diagnosis and the spectrum of clinical manifestations that can determine the choice of treatment for primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) has fostered the development of recommendations by the Spanish Society of Rheumatology (SER), based on the best possible evidence. These recommendations can serve as a reference for rheumatologists and other specialists involved in the management of APS.

METHODS

A panel of four rheumatologists, a gynaecologist and a haematologist with expertise in APS was created, previously selected by the SER through an open call or based on professional merits. The stages of the work were: identification of the key areas for drafting the document, analysis and synthesis of the scientific evidence (using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network [SIGN] levels of evidence) and formulation of recommendations based on this evidence and formal assessment or reasoned judgement techniques (consensus techniques).

RESULTS

46 recommendations were drawn up, addressing five main areas: diagnosis and evaluation, measurement of primary thromboprophylaxis, treatment for APS or secondary thromboprophylaxis, treatment for obstetric APS and special situations. These recommendations also include the role of novel oral anticoagulants, the problem of recurrences or the key risk factors identified in these subjects. This document reflects the first 21, referring to the areas of: diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of primary APS. The document provides a table of recommendations and treatment algorithms.

CONCLUSIONS

An update of the SER recommendations on APS is presented. This document corresponds to partI, related to diagnosis, evaluation and treatment. These recommendations are considered tools for decision-making for clinicians, taking into consideration both the decision of the physician experienced in APS and the patient. A partII has also been prepared, which addresses aspects related to obstetric SAF and special situations.

Triple Antiphospholipid (aPL) Antibodies Positivity Is Associated With Pregnancy Complications in aPL Carriers: A Multicenter Study on 62 Pregnancies

Objective: Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are risk factors for thrombosis and adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO). The management of the so called “aPL carriers” (subjects with aPL positivity without the clinical criteria manifestations of APS) is still undefined. This study aims at retrospectively evaluating the outcomes and the factors associated with APO and maternal complications in 62 pregnant aPL carriers.

Methods: Medical records of pregnant women regularly attending the Pregnancy Clinic of 3 Rheumatology centers from January 1994 to December 2015 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients with concomitant autoimmune diseases or other causes of pregnancy complications were excluded.

Results: An aPL-related event was recorded in 8 out of 62 patients (12.9%) during pregnancy: 2 thrombosis and 6 APO. At univariate analysis, factors associated with pregnancy complications were acquired risk factors (p:0.008), non-criteria aPL manifestations (p:0.024), lupus-like manifestations (p:0.013), and triple positive aPL profile (p:0.001). At multivariate analysis, only the association with a triple aPL profile was confirmed (p:0.01, OR 21.3, CI 95% 1.84–247). Patients with triple aPL positivity had a higher rate of pregnancy complications, despite they were more frequently receiving combined treatment of low dose aspirin (LDA) and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) at prophylactic dose.

Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of risk stratification in pregnant aPL carriers, in terms of both immunologic and non-immunologic features. Combination treatment with LDA and LMWH did not prevent APO in some cases, especially in carriers of triple aPL positivity. Triple positive aPL carriers may deserve additional therapeutic strategies during pregnancy.

Antiphospholipid syndrome: a clinical review

Antiphospholipid syndrome is characterised by recurrent thrombosis (arterial, venous, microvascular) and/or pregnancy complications in the presence of persistent antiphospholipid antibodies (lupus anticoagulant, anti-β2-glycoprotein 1 and anticardiolipin). It can be a primary disease or associated with another autoimmune disease (especially systemic lupus erythematosis). Testing for antiphospholipid antibodies should be considered in patients < 50 years of age with unprovoked venous or arterial thromboembolism, thrombosis at unusual sites or pregnancy complications. The mainstay of treatment is antithrombotic therapy and recommendations vary based on arterial, venous or pregnancy complications. If associated with systemic lupus erythematosis, hydroxychloroquine is recommended both as primary and secondary prophylaxis. Antithrombotic treatment is gold standard and effective.

Autoimmune connective tissue diseases and pregnancy

Autoimmune connective tissue-diseases are more frequent in women and deserve a multidisciplinary approach in which the dermatologist play a major role together with other physicians. Pregnancy in these patients has to be considered a high-risk situation, because of possible worsening of the mother's disease and increased morbility and mortality for the fetus; also, therapies have to be chosen carefully because some drugs cannot be used during pregnancy. For all these reasons, the decision to become pregnant needs to consider the type of disease, stage of disease, age and clinical condition, and requires a multidisciplinary approach. A correct counselling, a close monitoring, a specific approach based on the risks involved and the use of appropriate therapies are the keys to obtain optimal pregnancy outcomes.

Systemic lupus erythematosus: nothing stale her infinite variety

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a representative systemic autoimmune disease that has various types of manifestations in multiple organs. Additionally, SLE is one of the most variable diseases in its epidemiology and etiology with heterogenous types of immune dysfunction. Since the word 'lupus' has first appeared in the literature in the Middle Ages, clinical/pathological knowledges have massively accumulated that contributed to the establishments and improvements of classification criteria, therapeutic agents or assessments of disease activity. Along with them, the survival rate of patients with SLE has dramatically improved. However, the mortality rate is still higher compared with the healthy population and the progress in basic, translational and clinical research are expected to lead to new insights into pathogenesis and identifying novel targets for therapy.

Obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome

The present clinical and laboratory classification criteria for antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) were established in Sydney, Australia, in 2006. In this review, we focus on the obstetric subset of APS (OAPS), defined by persistent positivity for antiphospholipid antibodies together with either early recurrent pregnancy loss, early fetal death, stillbirth or premature birth <34 gestational weeks due to pre-eclampsia, eclampsia and placental insufficiency. It is important to diagnose these cases since most women suffering from OAPS can, when given appropriate treatment, have successful pregnancies. Furthermore, patients with OAPS may, depending on the antibody profile, be at enhanced risk of thrombotic events later in life. We present an update on the present knowledge of possible underlying pathogenesis, risk factors and risk estimations for adverse pregnancy outcomes before and during pregnancy, current treatment concepts, and long-term outcomes for women with OAPS and their children.

Obstetric Anti-phospholipid Syndrome: State of the Art

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review focuses on new pathogenesis and clinical-therapeutic aspects of obstetric anti-phospholipid syndrome (ob-APS) in the last 5 years.

RECENT FINDINGS

The pathogenesis of ob-APS is multifactorial, including placental infarctions, infiltration of inflammatory cells that cause acute and chronic inflammation, leading to uncontrolled inflammation and poor pregnancy outcomes. A preconception counseling and a patient-tailored treatment are fundamental to improve maternal and fetal outcomes. Thanks to conventional treatment, based on low-dose aspirin and heparin, 70% of women with ob-APS can have successful pregnancies. Women with positive anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL) without clinical manifestations ("aPL carriers") or with obstetric manifestation not fulfilling ob-APS criteria need to be further investigated in order to assess their best management. Great interest has been given to drugs that could interact in the pathophysiological mechanisms, such as hydroxychloroquine, statins, and eculizumab. These drugs could be considered for patients refractory to conventional therapy.

Antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents for primary prevention of thrombosis in individuals with antiphospholipid antibodies

BACKGROUND

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease characterised by the presence of antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies that have prothrombotic activity. Antiphospholipid antibodies are associated with an increased risk of pregnancy complications (recurrent miscarriage, premature birth, intrauterine growth retardation) and thrombotic events (both arterial and venous). The most common thrombotic events include brain ischaemia (stroke or transient ischaemic attack) and deep vein thrombosis. To diagnose APS, the presence of aPL antibodies in two measurements and at least one thrombotic event or pregnancy complication are required. It is unclear if people with positive aPL antibodies but without any previous thrombotic events should receive primary antithrombotic prophylaxis.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of antiplatelet or anticoagulant agents versus placebo or no intervention or other intervention on the development of thrombosis in people with aPL antibodies who have not had a thrombotic event. We did not address obstetric outcomes in this review as these have been thoroughly addressed by other Cochrane Reviews.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Vascular Specialised Register (4 December 2017), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (last search 29 November 2017), MEDLINE Ovid, Embase Ovid, CINAHL, and AMED (searched 4 December 2017), and trials registries (searched 29 November 2017). We also checked reference lists of included studies, systematic reviews, and practice guidelines, and contacted experts in the field.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared any antiplatelet or anticoagulant agents, or their combinations, at any dose and mode of delivery with placebo, no intervention, or other intervention. We also included RCTs that compared antiplatelet or anticoagulant agents with each other or that compared two different doses of the same drug. We included studies performed in people of any age and with no history of thrombosis (as defined by APS Sapporo classification criteria or updated Sydney classification criteria), but with aPL antibodies confirmed on at last two separate measurements. The studies included both pregnant women who tested positive for aPL antibodies and had a history of recurrent obstetric complications, as well as non-pregnancy related cases with positive screening for antibodies, in accordance with the criteria mentioned above.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Pairs of authors independently selected studies for inclusion, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias for the included studies and quality of evidence using GRADE. Any discrepancies were resolved through discussion or by consulting a third review author when necessary. In addition, one review author checked all the extracted numerical data.

MAIN RESULTS

We included nine studies involving 1044 randomised participants. The studies took place in several countries and had different funding sources. No study was at low risk of bias in all domains. We classified all included studies as at unclear or high risk of bias in two or more domains. Seven included studies focused mainly on obstetric outcomes. One study included non-pregnancy-related cases, and one study included both pregnancy-related cases and other patients with positive results for aPL antibodies. The remaining studies concerned women with aPL antibodies and a history of pregnancy failure. Four studies compared anticoagulant with or without acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) versus ASA only and observed no clear difference in thrombosis risk (risk ratio (RR) 0.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.25 to 3.77; 4 studies; 493 participants; low-quality evidence). No major bleeding was reported, but minor bleeding risk (nasal bleeding, menorrhagia) was higher in the anticoagulant with ASA group as compared with ASA alone in one study (RR 22.45, 95% CI 1.34 to 374.81; 1 study; 164 participants; low-quality evidence). In one study ASA was compared with placebo, and there were no clear differences in thrombosis (RR 5.21, 95% CI 0.63 to 42.97; 1 study; 98 participants; low-quality evidence) or minor bleeding risk between the groups (RR 3.13, 95% CI 0.34 to 29.01; 1 study; 98 participants; low-quality evidence), and no major bleeding was observed. Two studies compared ASA with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) versus placebo or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and no thrombotic events were observed in any of the groups. Moreover, there were no clear differences in the risk of bleeding requiring transfusion (RR 9.0, 95% CI 0.49 to 164.76; 1 study; 180 participants; moderate-quality evidence) or postpartum bleeding (RR 1.30, 95% CI 0.60 to 2.81; 1 study; 180 participants; moderate-quality evidence) between the groups. Two studies compared ASA with high-dose LMWH versus ASA with low-dose LMWF or unfractionated heparin (UFH); no thrombotic events or major bleeding was reported. Mortality and quality of life data were not reported for any of the comparisons.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence to demonstrate benefit or harm of using anticoagulants with or without ASA versus ASA alone in people with aPL antibodies and a history of recurrent pregnancy loss and with no such history; ASA versus placebo in people with aPL antibodies; and ASA with LMWH versus placebo or IVIG, and ASA with high-dose LMWH versus ASA with low-dose LMWH or UFH, in women with aPL antibodies and a history of recurrent pregnancy loss, for the primary prevention of thrombotic events. In a mixed population of people with a history of previous pregnancy loss and without such a history treated with anticoagulant combined with ASA, the incidence of minor bleeding (nasal bleeding, menorrhagia) was increased when compared with ASA alone. Studies that are adequately powered and that focus mainly on thrombotic events are needed to draw any firm conclusions on the primary prevention of thrombotic events in people with antiphospholipid antibodies.

Risk Factors for Adverse Maternal and Fetal Outcomes in Women With Confirmed aPL Positivity: Results From a Multicenter Study of 283 Pregnancies

Objective

Antiphospholipid antibodies positivity (aPL) is considered as a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcome (APO). The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for APO in patients with confirmed aPL positivity, isolated (aPL carriers) or associated with a definite primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS).

Methods

The clinical and laboratory features of 283 pregnancies occurring between 2000 and 2014 in 200 women were collected in three institutions.

Results

The rate of live birth was 87.9% and APO was observed in 50 cases (17.7%). Multivariate analysis showed that the independent variables related to APO were the concomitant diagnosis of an organ-specific autoimmune disease (p = 0.012, odds ratio (OR) 3.29, confidence interval (CI) 95% 1.29–8.38) and the presence of low complement levels during the first trimester (p = 0.02, OR 2.3, CI 95% 1.17–9.15). No statistical differences were found in APO occurrence among patients treated with low-dose aspirin (LDA) versus those treated with LDA plus heparin (LMWH), but LDA + LMWH was more frequently administered in patients with triple aPL positivity (p = 0.001, OR 3.21, CI 95% 1.48–7.11) and with PAPS (p < 0.001, OR 8.08, CI 95% 4.3–15.4). Based on clinical history, the patients were divided into four groups: obstetric, thrombotic, non-criteria antiphospholipid syndrome (clinical non-criteria), and aPL carriers. APOs were more frequent in the thrombotic group (24%). Seven patients had a thrombotic event during pregnancy or puerperium (2.4%).

Conclusion

Maternal and fetal complications were observed in some aPL-positive patients despite their efficient management according to the current recommendations. A higher risk of APO was observed in patients with a previous thrombosis and/or more complex autoimmune phenotype.

Diagnosis and management of the antiphospholipid syndrome

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by thrombosis and/or pregnancy complications in the presence of persistent antiphospholipid antibodies (APLA). Laboratory diagnosis of APLA depends upon the detection of a lupus anticoagulant, which prolongs phospholipid-dependent anticoagulation tests, and/or anticardiolipin (aCL) and anti-β2-glycoprotein-1 (β2GPI) antibodies. APLA are primarily directed toward phospholipid binding proteins. Pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying thrombosis and pregnancy loss in APS include APLA induced cellular activation, inhibition of natural anticoagulant and fibrinolytic systems, and complement activation, among others. There is a high rate of recurrent thrombosis in APS, especially in triple positive patients (patients with lupus anticoagulant, aCL and anti-β2GPI antibodies), and indefinite anticoagulation with a vitamin K antagonist is the standard of care for thrombotic APS. There is currently insufficient evidence to recommend the routine use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) in thrombotic APS. Aspirin with low molecular weight or unfractionated heparin may reduce the incidence of pregnancy loss in obstetric APS. Recent insights into the pathogenesis of APS have led to the identification of new potential therapeutic interventions, including anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory therapies. Additional research is needed to better understand the effects of APLA on activation of signaling pathways in vascular cells, to identify more predictive biomarkers that define patients at greatest risk for a first or recurrent APLA-related clinical event, and to determine the safety and efficacy of DOACs and novel anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory therapies for refractory APS.

Incidence of thromboembolic events in asymptomatic carriers of IgA anti ß2 glycoprotein-I antibodies

BACKGROUND

The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is defined by simultaneous presence of vascular clinical events and antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). The aPL considered as diagnostics are lupus anticoagulant and antibodies anticardiolipin (aCL) and anti-ß2 glycoprotein-I (aB2GP1). During recent years, IgA aB2GP1 antibodies have been associated with thrombotic events both in patients positive, and mainly negative for other aPL, however its value as a pro-thrombotic risk-factor in asymptomatic patients has not been well defined.

OBJECTIVE

To test the role of IgA anti B2GP1 as a risk factor for the development of APS-events (thrombosis or pregnancy morbidity) in asymptomatic population with a 5-year follow-up.

METHODS

244 patients isolated positive for anti-beta2-glycoprotein I IgA (Group-1 study) and 221 negative patients (Group-2 control) were studied. All the patients were negative for IgG and IgM aCL.

RESULTS

During the follow-up, 45 patients (9.7%) had APS-events, 38 positive for IgA-aB2GP1 and 7 negative (15.6% vs 3.2%, p<0.001). The incidence rate of APS-events was 3.1% per year in IgA-aB2GP1 positive patients and 0.6% per year in the control group. Arterial thrombosis were the most frequent APS-events (N = 25, 55%) and were mainly observed in Group-1 patients (21 vs 4, p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis were shown as independent risk-factors for the development of APS-events, age, sex (men) and presence of IgA-aB2GP1 (odds ratio 5.25, 95% CI 2.24 to 12.32).

CONCLUSION

The presence of IgA-aB2GP1 in people with no history of APS-events is the main independent risk factor for the development of these types of events, mainly arterial thrombosis.

Broad Concepts in Management of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a multisystem autoimmune disease with protean manifestation. Although commonly seen in young women, it can affect men as well as elderly patients. Approach to treatment is multidisciplinary, involves defining the extent of organ involvement, and distinguishing between active manifestations and damage. The mainstay of therapy is judicious use of immunosuppressive medications. Long-term follow-up to address morbidity arising from treatment complications, disease damage, and increased cardiovascular risk is essential.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Pregnancy

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with a strong female predilection. Pregnancy remains a commonly encountered but high-risk situation in this setting. Both maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity are still significantly increased despite improvements in outcomes. Maternal morbidity includes higher risk of disease flares, preeclampsia and other pregnancy-related complications. Fetal issues include higher rates of preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, and neonatal lupus syndromes. Treatment options during pregnancy are also limited and maternal benefit has to be weighed against fetal risk. A coordinated approach, with close monitoring by a multidisciplinary team, is essential for optimal outcomes.

Pregnancy in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

For many years pregnancy has been contraindicated in patients with SLE, particularly when kidney involvement was present. Today, pregnancy is no longer considered impossible in women with lupus. Yet, lupus pregnancies are still considered high-risk. The prognosis has considerably improved for pregnant women but the fetal risk, although progressively reduced, is still higher in pregnancies of patients with SLE than in pregnancies of healthy women. Miscarriage, premature delivery, and preeclampsia, as well as heart problems in the baby are the major complications that can occur. In this paper we will review the outcome of pregnant women with SLE, the influence of lupus on fetal outcome, the effects of pregnancy on lupus, and the management of pregnant lupus patients based on our personal experience and the revision of the most recent and significant papers on the subject.

The clinical significance of antiphospholipid antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is the association of thrombosis and/or pregnancy morbidity with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). Thirty to forty percent of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are tested positive for aPL, which may have an impact on the SLE presentation, management, and prognosis. Compared with SLE patients without aPL, those with aPL have a higher prevalence of thrombosis, pregnancy morbidity, valve disease, pulmonary hypertension, livedo reticularis, thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, acute/chronic renal vascular lesions, and moderate/severe cognitive impairment; worse quality of life; and higher risk of organ damage. The use of low-dose aspirin (LDA) is controversial for primary thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity prevention because of the lack of strong prospective controlled data. Similarly, the use of anticoagulation is controversial for patients with an aPL-related nephropathy. Until further studies are available, physicians should discuss the risk/benefits of LDA or anticoagulation as well as the available literature with patients.

Lupus anticoagulant is the main predictor of adverse pregnancy outcomes in aPL-positive patients: validation of PROMISSE study results

Objective

We previously reported that lupus anticoagulant (LAC) is the main predictor of poor pregnancy outcome in antiphospholipid antibody (aPL)-positive patients. We sought to confirm this finding in an independent group of patients who were subsequently recruited into the PROMISSE study.

Methods

The PROMISSE study is a multicentre, prospective, observational study of pregnancy outcomes in women with aPL and/or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that enrolled patients from 2003 to 2015. All consecutive, aPL-positive patients from the PROMISSE study who completed their pregnancy between April 2011 and January 2015 (after the previous PROMISSE report) are included in the current report. Patients were followed monthly until delivery, and aPL was tested at first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy and at 12 weeks post partum. Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) were defined as fetal death after 12 weeks of gestation, neonatal death, delivery prior to 36 weeks of gestation due to pre-eclampsia or placental insufficiency or small-for-gestational age (birth weight <5th percentile).

Results

Forty-four aPL-positive patients are included in this paper. Thirteen patients had APOs, which occurred in 80% of cases during the second trimester of pregnancy. LAC was present in 69% of patients with APOs compared with 27% of patients without APOs (p=0.01). No association was found between anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) or anti-β2 glycoprotein I antibodies (aβ2GPI) IgG or IgM positivity and APOs. Definite antiphospholipid syndrome (history of thrombosis and/or pregnancy morbidity and aPL) was found in 92% of patients with any APOs compared with 45% of patients without APOs (p=0.004). Conversely, the frequency of SLE was not statistically different between those with and without APOs (30% vs 39%).

Conclusions

Our findings, in an independent group of aPL-positive patients from the PROMISSE study, confirm that LAC, but not aCL and aβ2GPI, is predictive of poor pregnancy outcomes after 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Trial registration number

NCT00198068.

The antiphospholipid syndrome: still an enigma

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is defined by clinical manifestations that include thrombosis and/or fetal loss or pregnancy morbidity in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). Antiphospholipid antibodies are among the most common causes of acquired thrombophilia, but unlike most of the genetic thrombophilias are associated with both venous and arterial thrombosis. Despite an abundance of clinical and basic research on aPL, a unified mechanism that explains their prothrombotic activity has not been defined; this may reflect the heterogeneity of aPL and/or the fact that they may influence multiple pro- and/or antithrombotic pathways. Antiphospholipid antibodies are directed primarily toward phospholipid binding proteins rather than phospholipid per se, with the most common antigenic target being β2-glycoprotein 1 (β2GPI) although antibodies against other targets such as prothrombin are well described. Laboratory diagnosis of aPL depends upon the detection of a lupus anticoagulant (LA), which prolongs phospholipid-dependent anticoagulation tests, and/or anticardiolipin and anti-β2-glycoprotein 1 antibodies. Indefinite anticoagulation remains the mainstay of therapy for thrombotic APS, although new strategies that may improve outcomes are emerging. Preliminary reports suggest caution in the use of direct oral anticoagulants in patients with APS-associated thrombosis. Based on somewhat limited evidence, aspirin and low molecular weight heparin are recommended for obstetrical APS. There remains a pressing need for better understanding of the pathogenesis of APS in humans, for identification of clinical and laboratory parameters that define patients at greatest risk for APS-related events, and for targeted treatment of this common yet enigmatic disorder.