Low-molecular-weight heparin in addition to low-dose aspirin for preventing preeclampsia and its complications: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

In this systematic review, we aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of adding low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) or unfractionated heparin to low-dose aspirin (LDA) started ≤16 weeks'gestation in the prevention of preeclampsia (PE) in high-risk women.

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched from their inception to April 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that to determine whether the combined treatment of LMWH and LDA is better than single anticoagulant drugs in preventing PE and improving live birth rate of fetus in high-risk women with pregnancy ≤16 weeks. We also searched Embase, OVID MEDLINE and OVID MEDLINE in-process using the OVID platform.

Results

14 RCTs involving 1,966 women were found. The LMWH (or unfractionated heparin) and LDA groups included 1,165 wemen, and the LDA group included 960 women. The meta-analysis showed that the addition of LMWH to LDA reduced the risk of PE (RR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.44-0.79, P < 0.05), small-for-gestational age (SGA, RR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.52-0.97, P = 0.03), fetal and neonatal death (RR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.23-0.88, P = 0.02) and gestational hypertension (RR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.25-0.90, P = 0.02). It is worth emphasizing that LMWH (or unfractionated heparin) combined with LDA did not increase the risk of bleeding.

Conclusions

LMWH combined with LDA can effectively improve the pregnancy outcome of women with high risk factors for PE and its complications. Although this study showed that combined medication also did not increase the risk of bleeding, but such results lack the support of large sample size studies. The clinical safety analysis of LMWH combined with LDA in patients with PE should be more carried out.

Inherited thrombophilia and recurrent pregnancy loss: a single-center case-control study in North-Western Algeria

Background

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a common disorder that affects around 3 to 5% of pregnant women. It has different causes, and in about 50%, it is of unknown etiology. Thrombophilia might increase the risk of RPL by adversely affecting the normal placental vascular function. Our study aimed to determine the frequency of factor V Leiden (FVL) and prothrombin G20210A gene mutations in Algerian women with RPL and to correlate their presence with the occurrence of such health’s problem. A total of 80 women with previous fetal losses and 100 age-matched women with no history of fetal loss were recorded. Participants were tested for activated protein C resistance (APCR), protein C (PC), protein S (PS), and antithrombin (AT) deficiencies. The screening of FVL and prothrombin G20210A mutations was also done using a duplex polymerase chain reaction.

Results

APCR was detected in 6.25% of cases and was absent in controls (p = 0.011). PC and PS deficiencies were documented in 7.5% of patients. FVL was detected in 8.33% of patients and was absent in controls (p = 0.047). Prothrombin G20210A mutation was found in 8.33% of patients compared to 11.11% of controls (p = 0.631). A significant association of FVL mutation with the abortion which occurred in the second trimester was found (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

There is a significant association between FVL mutation and RPL especially the loss occurring during the second trimester. No correlation was found regarding prothrombin G20210A mutation.

The treatment of anti-phospholipid syndrome: A comprehensive clinical approach

Anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) is an acquired pro-thrombotic autoimmune disease that predisposes to thrombotic events and/or obstetric complications, in the persistent presence of anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL). Life long moderate-intensity anticoagulation is the option of choice for aPL-positive patients with a previous thrombosis; critical issues concern the management of those with a history of arterial event due to the high rate of recurrence. Alternatives comprise anti-platelet agents and high-intensity anticoagulation. Low dose aspirin (LDASA) and low molecular weight heparin provide the mainstay of the treatment of obstetric APS, allowing a birth rate in 70% of cases. The management of refractory APS, thrombotic as well as obstetric, is highly debated, but an increasing burden of evidence points towards the beneficial effects of multiple treatments. Similarly, a management envisaging multiple drugs (anticoagulation, steroids, plasma exchange and/or intravenous immunoglobulins) is the most effective approach in catastrophic APS. Asymptomatic aPL carriers are at higher risk of thrombotic and obstetric complications compared to the general population, thus potentially benefitting of a pharmacological intervention. LDASA and hydroxychloroquine can be considered as options, in particular in case of high risk aPL profile, concomitant cardiovascular risk factors or associated autoimmune disease. APS is apparently a simple condition, but its multifaceted nature requires a complex and tailored treatment.