Anti-phospholipid Igm Antibody, Serum

Antiphospholipid antibodies pose following concerns to the pregnancy

• Miscarriages, which can occur early (0-9 weeks of gestation) and recur early in subsequent pregnancies, or late in the pregnancy
• Preterm delivery (before week 37 of gestation) as a result of preeclampsia (high blood pressure) or placental insufficiency (alternations in fetal well-being due to problems with the placenta)
• Intrauterine growth restriction (fetuses that are smaller than expected).
• Blood clots during pregnancy and up to six weeks following the birth of the baby (also referred to as the post-partum period).
• Unexplained fetal death or stillbirth
• Unexplained severe fetal growth restriction

Antiphospholipid antibodies (APLA) are associated with anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS).Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by production of antibodies – antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) – that “attack” the person’s own body, resulting in blood clots and/or pregnancy complications. 

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder that is associated with pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia, thrombosis, autoimmune thrombocytopenia, fetal growth restriction, and fetal loss.Although APS patients are more likely to develop pregnancy complications than are women in the general population, the current management approach allows the majority of women with APS to deliver healthy babies.

APA is tested if you have had any of the following

• Recurrent pregnancy loss - 3 or more spontaneous abortions with no more than 1 live birth
• Recurrent pregnancy loss - 3 or more spontaneous abortions with no more than 1 live birth
• Blood clotting disorder
• Fetal growth restrictions

Interpretation:

Moderate to high levels of aCL and aβ₂GPI (especially higher than 40 units) correspond to an increased risk of an aPL-related event; lower levels are clinically less important (especially lower than 20 units). Patients who are positive for the LA test, especially in combination with a moderate to high level of aCL and/or aβ₂GPI, seem to have a higher likelihood of an aPL-related complication than those who are negative for the LA test.

If you are aPL positive, your doctor may advice additional tests to access hormonal, anatomic and genetic factors, attributing to complications in pregnancy.

 

To increase the chance of a successful pregnancy, it is strongly advised that patients consult their rheumatologist and an obstetrician experienced in managing high-risk pregnancies prior to becoming pregnant. These specialists will review specific aPL-related pregnancy concerns and recommended treatments.