Thrombophilia and fetal loss

Recurrent fetal loss and other placental vascular pathologies of pregnancy have long been associated with antiphospholipid syndrome — an acquired autoimmune thrombophilic state. The number of known heritable thrombophilic disorders has grown rapidly in recent years with the identification of activated protein C resistance, factor V Leiden mutation and hyperhomocysteinemia as major causes of thrombosis. Data accumulated over the past two years suggest that heritable thrombophilia is associated with increased risk of fetal loss and pre-eclampsia. The present review discusses potential pathogenetic mechanisms for this association and evaluates reported therapeutic regimes for the prevention of fetal loss in women with thrombophilia.