Placental Pathology in Obstetric Antiphospholipid Syndrome Beyond Thrombosis: A Case Report and Literature Review

TL;DR

This case report shows how treating obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome with specific medications and monitoring improved pregnancy outcomes.

Contribution

The paper highlights placental pathology changes and effective treatment strategies in obstetric APS through a case study and literature review.

Findings

The patient had a successful second pregnancy after treatment with ASA, LMWH, and HCQ.

Placental dysfunction was linked to a high sFlt-1/PIGF ratio and antiphospholipid antibodies.

Monitoring with biomarkers and ultrasound improved outcomes in obstetric APS.

Abstract

Background: Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is one of the highest risk factors for obstetric complications. This article contains a case report of a patient with obstetric APS who experienced fetal loss during their first pregnancy and experienced a successful second pregnancy upon treatment with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). We compare placental pathology in these two pregnancies and discuss the impact of antiphospholipid antibodies and clinical management on pregnancy outcomes. We also propose methods to monitor obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (OAPS) patients during pregnancy. Methods: A 26-year-old woman presented with a history of stillbirth at 25 weeks of pregnancy due to placental insufficiency. Before pregnancy, she experienced symptoms suggestive of autoimmune disease (thrombocytopenia, recurrent mouth aphthous ulcers, and Raynaud’s phenomenon) but had no diagnosis. Placental dysfunction correlated with the high ratio of sFlt-1/PIGF (soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 and the placental growth factors index). Laboratory tests revealed the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) and triple positivity for antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs). Results: Following the initiation of treatment for OAPS and regular monitoring consistent with current guidelines, the patient conceived and successfully delivered a healthy child. Conclusions: Adequate therapy and close monitoring during pregnancy, including clinical observation, placental biomarkers and regular ultrasonography, may help to reduce the risks and increase chances for optimal pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, pathological examination and clinical collaboration are essential components in future pregnancy counseling and should be a part of multidisciplinary management.

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