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Huang P, Wu R, Guo X, Gao X, Yan Y, Han C, Xue F. Clinical Features and Outcomes of Twin Pregnancies with Antiphospholipid Antibodies Positivity: A Retrospective Study. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2024; 17:1165-1176. [PMID: 38737417 PMCID: PMC11088406 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s456226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to evaluate the impact of twin pregnancies with antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) positivity, a rare and complex clinical condition that remains a huge challenge for management. Methods This study enrolled twin-pregnant women at our hospital between January 2018 and August 2023. Women with and without aPL positivity were selected using propensity score matching (PSM). Clinical features and pregnancy outcomes were compared between the two groups in the PSM cohort. To analyze the effect of aPL positivity on pregnancy outcomes, multivariate logistic models were used to obtain adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Among the 773 women with twin pregnancies, aPL positivity was found in 26 women (3.36%). In the PSM cohort, there were 24 twin-pregnant women with positive aPL, and 48 women without aPL were selected as controls. Twin-pregnant women with aPL positivity had a higher proportion of abortion (8.33% vs 0, P = 0.043), preterm birth < 34 weeks (33.33% vs 8.33%, P = 0.007) and very low birthweight (<1500 g) (20.83% vs 4.17%, P = 0.016) than the control group. In addition, stillbirth of one fetus was observed in one twin-pregnant woman with positive aPL. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that twin pregnancy with aPL positivity was associated with preterm birth < 34 weeks (aOR = 2.76, 95% CI: 0.83-4.70, P = 0.005), very low birthweight (<1500 g) (OR = 2.40, 95% CI: 0.18-4.67, P = 0.034) and small for gestational age (SGA) (aOR = 1.66, 95% CI: 0.22-3.10, P =0.024). Conclusion Twin pregnancies with aPL positivity were correlated with obstetric complications, including abortion, preterm birth < 34 weeks and very low birthweight (<1500 g). The detection of aPL may be of clinical significance for women with twin pregnancies and should be considered in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengzhu Huang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rongrong Wu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Guo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoli Gao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ye Yan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cha Han
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fengxia Xue
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
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Ottavi M, Toulon P, Casolla B, Martis N. Four clinical and biological phenotypes in antiphospholipid syndrome: a cluster analysis of 174 patients with antinuclear antibody tests. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1361062. [PMID: 38440737 PMCID: PMC10909826 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1361062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune thrombotic disease with various systemic presentations. This study aimed to identify homogeneous groups of patients based on a non-supervised hierarchical cluster analysis and assess the rate of relapse associated with antinuclear antibodies (ANA). Methods This retrospective observational study enrolled patients, over a 90-month period, who had APS as defined by the 2006 Sydney classification criteria, and for whom ANA workup was performed. Agglomerative unsupervised hierarchical clustering was conducted to classify patients into subgroups using 24 variables reflecting a range of clinical and biological baseline features associated with APS. Results Hundred and seventy-four patients were included and were categorized into four phenotypes. Cluster 1 (n=73) associated mostly middle-aged men with risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Obstetrical APS with low-risk thrombosis made up cluster 2 (n=25). Patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE), microvascular findings and double/triple positive APL antibodies (50%) were represented in cluster 3 (n=33). Whereas cluster 4 (n=43) characterized a predominantly female subpopulation with positive ANA and systemic lupus (n=23) that exhibited a high thrombotic risk and more frequent relapses (n=38) (p<0.001). Conclusions This study identified four homogenous groups of patients with APS listed as: i) cardiovascular and arterial risk, ii) obstetrical, iii) VTE and microvascular, and iv) ANA-positive APS. We found that ANA-positivity was associated with higher rates of relapse. Applying ANA status to classification criteria could constitute a novel approach to tailoring management for APS, based on phenotypic patterns and risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Ottavi
- Internal Medicine Department, University Hospital of Nice, Cote d’Azur University, Nice, France
| | - Pierre Toulon
- Haematology Department , University Hospital of Nice, Cote d’Azur University, Nice, France
| | - Barbara Casolla
- Stroke Unit, UR2CA-URRIS Neurology, University Hospital Pasteur 2, Cote d’Azur University, Nice, France
| | - Nihal Martis
- Internal Medicine Department, University Hospital of Nice, Cote d’Azur University, Nice, France
- Mediterranean Centre for Molecular Medicine, Control of Gene Expression (COdEX), INSERM U1065, Nice, France
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Mineo C, Shaul PW, Bermas BL. The pathogenesis of obstetric APS: a 2023 update. Clin Immunol 2023; 255:109745. [PMID: 37625670 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the persistent presence of antibodies directed against phospholipids and phospholipid-binding proteins that are associated with thrombosis and pregnancy-related morbidity. The latter includes fetal deaths, premature birth and maternal complications. In the early 1990s, a distinct set of autoantibodies, termed collectively antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), were identified as the causative agents of this disorder. Subsequently histological analyses of the placenta from APS pregnancies revealed various abnormalities, including inflammation at maternal-fetal interface and poor placentation manifested by reduced trophoblast invasion and limited uterine spiral artery remodeling. Further preclinical investigations identified the molecular targets of aPL and the downstream intracellular pathways of key placental cell types. While these discoveries suggest potential therapeutics for this disorder, definitive clinical trials have not been completed. This concise review focuses on the recent developments in the field of basic and translational research pursuing novel mechanisms underlying obstetric APS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chieko Mineo
- Center for Pulmonary and Vascular Biology, Department of Pediatrics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States.
| | - Philip W Shaul
- Center for Pulmonary and Vascular Biology, Department of Pediatrics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Bonnie L Bermas
- Division of Rheumatic Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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Iordache O, Anastasiu DM, Kakarla M, Ali A, Bratosin F, Neamtu R, Dumitru C, Olaru F, Erdelean I, Gherman A, Avram CR, Stelea L. Influence of Antiphospholipid Antibody-Associated Thrombophilia on the Risk of Preterm Birth: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5316. [PMID: 37629357 PMCID: PMC10456069 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12165316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Antiphospholipid antibody (aPL)-associated thrombophilia has been implicated in various adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and impaired fetal development. This systematic review aimed to elucidate the relationship between aPL-associated thrombophilia and these outcomes, as well as to identify potential modifiers of this relationship such as maternal age, coexisting maternal medical conditions, type of aPL antibodies involved, and the timing of thrombophilia diagnosis during gestation. We conducted a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus in May 2023, covering literature published within the last 10 years. Eight articles, involving 2935 patients, were eligible for inclusion in the review. Single aCL was the most common type of aPL found in patients, with rates up to 61.0% in some studies, followed by single LA and single ab2GPI. Multiple aPL antibody positivity was found to be associated with a higher risk of preterm birth, with odds ratios ranging from 1.29 to 9.61. Patient characteristics and previous pregnancy history varied significantly across the studies. Risk factors such as diabetes mellitus, thrombosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus were also variable across the studies, but presence of these risk factors did not consistently affect the risk of preterm birth. Furthermore, although a triple positive aPL test was the most important risk factor for preterm birth, it was observed that thrombophilia treatment during pregnancy significantly reduced the risk by 2.44 times (95% CI = 1.18-6.20). This review supports the evidence for aPL-associated thrombophilia being a significant contributor to preterm birth and fetal developmental abnormalities. Further research is required to investigate the exact mechanisms and to determine the best clinical management for patients with aPL-associated thrombophilia during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivera Iordache
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (O.I.); (D.M.A.); (R.N.); (F.O.); (I.E.); (L.S.)
- Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Doru Mihai Anastasiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (O.I.); (D.M.A.); (R.N.); (F.O.); (I.E.); (L.S.)
| | - Manaswini Kakarla
- Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Hyderabad 500001, Telangana, India;
| | - Ayesha Ali
- Bhaskar Medical College, Amdapur Road 156-162, Hyderabad 500075, Telangana, India;
| | - Felix Bratosin
- Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Radu Neamtu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (O.I.); (D.M.A.); (R.N.); (F.O.); (I.E.); (L.S.)
| | - Catalin Dumitru
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (O.I.); (D.M.A.); (R.N.); (F.O.); (I.E.); (L.S.)
| | - Flavius Olaru
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (O.I.); (D.M.A.); (R.N.); (F.O.); (I.E.); (L.S.)
| | - Izabella Erdelean
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (O.I.); (D.M.A.); (R.N.); (F.O.); (I.E.); (L.S.)
| | - Angelica Gherman
- Research Center for Medical Communication, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Cecilia Roberta Avram
- Department of Residential Training and Post-University Training, “Vasile Goldis” Western University, Liviu Rebreanu Street 86, 310414 Arad, Romania;
| | - Lavinia Stelea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (O.I.); (D.M.A.); (R.N.); (F.O.); (I.E.); (L.S.)
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Ambati A, Knight JS, Zuo Y. Antiphospholipid syndrome management: a 2023 update and practical algorithm-based approach. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2023; 35:149-160. [PMID: 36866678 PMCID: PMC10364614 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an acquired thrombo-inflammatory disease that has morbid and sometimes devastating effects on patients and their families. This review will discuss the most recent international societal treatment guidelines and propose practical management algorithms for various APS sub-types. RECENT FINDINGS APS represents a disease spectrum. Although thrombosis and pregnancy morbidities are traditional hallmarks of APS, a variety of extra-criteria clinical phenotypes can often be seen, which makes clinical management more challenging. Primary APS thrombosis prophylaxis should take a risk-stratified approach. Although vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) or heparin/low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) remain the preferred treatment for secondary APS thrombosis prophylaxis, some international society guidelines support the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in certain circumstances. Careful monitoring and individualized obstetric care with the use of aspirin and heparin/LMWH will improve pregnancy outcomes among pregnant individuals with APS. Treatment of microvascular and catastrophic APS remains challenging. While the addition of various immunosuppressive agents is often utilized, further systemic evaluations of their use are warranted before definitive recommendations can be made. Several new therapeutic strategies are on the horizon that might enable more personalized and targeted APS management in the near future. SUMMARY Although the knowledge of APS pathogenesis has grown in recent years, the management principles and strategies are largely unchanged. There is an unmet need for evaluating pharmacological agents, beyond anticoagulants, that target diverse thromboinflammatory pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amala Ambati
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jason S. Knight
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Yu Zuo
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Esteve-Valverde E, Alijotas-Reig J, Belizna C, Marques-Soares J, Anunciacion-Llunell A, Feijóo-Massó C, Sáez-Comet L, Mekinian A, Ferrer-Oliveras R, Lefkou E, Morales-Pérez S, Hoxha A, Tincani A, Nalli C, Pardos-Gea J, Marozio L, Maina A, Espinosa G, Cervera R, De Carolis S, Latino O, Udry S, Llurba E, Garrido-Gimenez C, Trespidi L, Gerosa M, Chighizola CB, Rovere-Querini P, Canti V, Mayer-Pickel K, Tabacco S, Arnau A, Miró-Mur F. Low complement levels are related to poor obstetric outcomes in women with obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome. The EUROAPS Registry Study Group. Placenta 2023; 136:29-34. [PMID: 37028222 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (OAPS) is an autoimmune disease related to antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) with primaryinflammatory injury followed by clot cascade activation and thrombus formation. Complement system activation and their participation in aPL-related thrombosis is unclosed. METHODS We haveanalysed adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO) related to low complement (LC) levels in a cohort of 1048 women fulfilling classification criteria for OAPS. RESULTS Overall, 223 (21.3%) women presented LC values, during pregnancy. The length of pregnancy was shorter in OAPS women with LC compared to those with normal complement (NC) (median: 33 weeks, interquartile range: [24-38] vs. 35 weeks [27-38]; p = 0.022). Life new-born incidence was higher in patients with NC levels than in those with LC levels (74.4% vs. 67.7%; p = 0.045). Foetal losses were more related to women with triple or double aPL positivity carrying LC than NC values (16.3% vs. 8.0% NC; p = 0.027). Finally, some placental vasculopathies were affected in OAPS patients with LC as late Foetal Growth Restriction (FGR >34 weeks) rise to 7.2% in women with LC vs. 3.2% with NC (p = 0.007). DISCUSSION Data from our registry indicate that incidence of APO was higher in OAPS women with LC levels and some could be reverted by the correct treatment.
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Non-Criteria Obstetric Antiphospholipid Syndrome: How Different Is from Sidney Criteria? A Single-Center Study. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10112938. [PMID: 36428506 PMCID: PMC9687766 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Pires da Rosa G, Ferreira E, Sousa-Pinto B, Rodríguez-Pintó I, Brito I, Mota A, Cervera R, Espinosa G. Comparison of non-criteria antiphospholipid syndrome with definite antiphospholipid syndrome: A systematic review. Front Immunol 2022; 13:967178. [PMID: 36059460 PMCID: PMC9434011 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.967178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Patients with laboratory or clinical manifestations suggestive of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) but not fulfilling the classification criteria constitute a clinical challenge. This study aims to compare non-criteria APS (NC-APS) with definite APS in terms of clinical manifestations, therapies, and outcomes. Methods A systematic review of observational studies comparing definite and NC-APS was performed searching four electronic databases. Data on clinical manifestations, therapies and clinical outcomes was extracted. Results Sixteen studies, assessing a total of 3,798 participants, were included. Seven out of 10 studies found no significant difference in the prevalence of arterial or venous thrombosis between definite and NC-APS, with two studies on seronegative APS also finding no difference in thrombosis recurrence. Seven out of 12 studies found no significant difference in the prevalence of obstetric manifestations between groups, with the remaining exhibiting conflicting results. In 9 studies comparing treatment frequency in obstetric patients, all but one described similar treatment frequency, with the percentage of NC-APS treated during pregnancy ranging from 26% to 100%. In 10 studies comparing pregnancy outcomes of NC-APS versus definite APS, 7 found similar successful pregnancies/live births. Additionally, 5 studies described improvement of live births in both groups with treatment, with three signalling aspirin monotherapy as efficacious as combination therapy in NC-APS. Conclusion This review hints at an absence of marked differences in most evaluated parameters between definite and NC-APS, emphasizing the value of a more active follow-up of these patients. The low-quality available evidence highlights the need for well-defined NC-APS populations in future studies. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD42020210674.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilberto Pires da Rosa
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ester Ferreira
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Bernardo Sousa-Pinto
- MEDCIDS – Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS – Center for Health Technology and Services Research, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Iva Brito
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Rheumatology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Alberto Mota
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ricard Cervera
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gerard Espinosa
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- *Correspondence: Gerard Espinosa,
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Yan H, Li B, Su R, Gao C, Li X, Wang C. Preliminary Study on the Imbalance Between Th17 and Regulatory T Cells in Antiphospholipid Syndrome. Front Immunol 2022; 13:873644. [PMID: 35603166 PMCID: PMC9121099 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.873644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectivePatients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) have immune cell abnormalities that remain poorly understood. This study compared primary APS (PAPS) and secondary APS (SAPS) patients with healthy controls with respect to peripheral blood lymphocytes, CD4+T cell subsets, and cytokine levels. The correlation between antiphospholipid antibody titres and T helper 17 (Th17) and T regulatory (Treg) cell subsets was also analyzed, together with the correlations between cytokine profiles and the clinical characteristics of APS patients.MethodsThe retrospective study population consisted of 67 APS patients (12 with PAPS, 55 with SAPS) and 40 healthy controls. Absolute numbers of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets and CD4+ T cell subsets were detected by flow cytometry, and serum cytokine levels by flow cytometry bead array.ResultsPatients with SAPS had lower absolute values of T, B and CD4+T cells than the healthy control group, while only natural killer (NK) cell levels were decreased in patients with PAPS. Absolute numbers of T, B, NK, and CD4+T cells were significantly higher in the PAPS than SAPS group. The trends in CD4+T cell subsets were the same in PAPS and SAPS patients as in healthy controls, with increased Th1, decreased Th2, and decreased Treg levels, and thus an increased Th17/Treg ratio. Th2, Th17, and Treg cell counts were higher in the PAPS than SAPS group. Cytokine analysis showed that only IL-10 levels differed between the two APS groups. However, the levels of all of the studied cytokines were higher in APS patients than healthy controls, and correlated with the clinical characteristics of the patients. In the PAPS group, the titres of two autoantibodies correlated positively with the Th17/Treg ratio and negatively with the levels of D-dimer and Treg subsets.ConclusionsOur study clearly showed that APS patients have immune disturbances, the most prominent of which is an increase in the Th17/Treg ratio, due to a decrease in the number of Treg cells. These abnormalities may be involved in the occurrence and progression of APS. An additional finding was a higher level of peripheral blood lymphocytes in PAPS than SAPS patients, which may be related to the immunosuppressive treatment of SAPS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Yan
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Baochen Li
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Rui Su
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Chong Gao
- Pathology, Joint Program in Transfusion Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Caihong Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- *Correspondence: Caihong Wang,
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Alijotas-Reig J, Esteve-Valverde E, Anunciación-Llunell A, Marques-Soares J, Pardos-Gea J, Miró-Mur F. Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Management of Obstetric Antiphospholipid Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11030675. [PMID: 35160128 PMCID: PMC8836886 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11030675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disorder characterized by vascular thrombosis and/or pregnancy morbidity associated with persistent antiphospholipid antibody positivity. Cases fulfilling the Sydney criteria for obstetric morbidity with no previous thrombosis are known as obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (OAPS). OAPS is the most identified cause of recurrent pregnancy loss and late-pregnancy morbidity related to placental injury. Cases with incomplete clinical or laboratory data are classified as obstetric morbidity APS (OMAPS) and non-criteria OAPS (NC-OAPS), respectively. Inflammatory and thrombotic mechanisms are involved in the pathophysiology of OAPS. Trophoblasts, endothelium, platelets and innate immune cells are key cellular players. Complement activation plays a crucial pathogenic role. Secondary placental thrombosis appears by clot formation in response to tissue factor activation. New risk assessment tools could improve the prediction of obstetric complication recurrences or thromboses. The standard-of-care treatment consists of low-dose aspirin and prophylactic low molecular weight heparin. In refractory cases, the addition of hydroxychloroquine, low-dose prednisone or IVIG improve pregnancy outcomes. Statins and eculizumab are currently being tested for treating selected OAPS women. Finally, we revisited recent insights and concerns about the pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of OAPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaume Alijotas-Reig
- Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Research Unit, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.A.-L.); (J.M.-S.); (J.P.-G.)
- Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron (HUVH), Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.A.-R.); (F.M.-M.); Tel.: +34-93-489-4194 (J.A.-R.); +34-93-489-4047 (F.M.-M.); Fax: +34-93-489-4047 (J.A.-R.)
| | - Enrique Esteve-Valverde
- Department of Internal Medicine, Althaia Xarxa Assistencial, Carrer Dr Joan Soler 1-3, 08243 Manresa, Spain;
| | - Ariadna Anunciación-Llunell
- Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Research Unit, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.A.-L.); (J.M.-S.); (J.P.-G.)
| | - Joana Marques-Soares
- Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Research Unit, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.A.-L.); (J.M.-S.); (J.P.-G.)
- Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron (HUVH), Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Pardos-Gea
- Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Research Unit, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.A.-L.); (J.M.-S.); (J.P.-G.)
- Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron (HUVH), Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Miró-Mur
- Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Research Unit, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.A.-L.); (J.M.-S.); (J.P.-G.)
- Correspondence: (J.A.-R.); (F.M.-M.); Tel.: +34-93-489-4194 (J.A.-R.); +34-93-489-4047 (F.M.-M.); Fax: +34-93-489-4047 (J.A.-R.)
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11
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Koubi M, Rossi P, Arcani R, Gomes De Pihno Q, Chau C, Blanc J, Grosdidier C, Guervilly C, Bretelle F, Bernard-Guervilly F. Relevance of systematic anti-nuclear antibodies testing after obstetrical complications. J Reprod Immunol 2021; 148:103437. [PMID: 34700104 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2021.103437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Adverses pregnancy outcomes are commonly encountered with autoimmune disease (AID). Although anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) are often present several years before AID diagnosis, the importance of ANA testing has not been evaluated in this context. The objective of this study was to determine if ANA discovery after obstetrical complications is associated with a diagnosis of AID and improves the prognosis of subsequent pregnancies. All patients presented at the multidisciplinary board meeting (MBM) "Thrombophilia and Pregnancy", whose ANA were discovered after an obstetrical complication, were included in a multicenter descriptive study. All patients were referred to an internal medicine consultation for diagnosis. Data were collected retrospectively by computer chart analysis and updated by phone. A total of 404 patients were included, of which 50 (12.4 %) had a diagnosis of AID related to ANA. Patients with AID had higher ANA levels (p < 0.001), with more frequent specificity (26%, versus 6.7%, p < 0.0001), and more often persistent (84% versus 30.8%, p < 0.0001) compared to patients without AID. Subsequent pregnancy outcomes were not significantly affected by ANA levels and AID diagnoses. Our study shows that the discovery of ANA after obstetrical complications may lead to an early diagnosis of AID. It makes us reconsider the systematic determination of ANA after an obstetrical event because in the case where ANA are found positive, an adapted follow-up would reduce the negative impact of ANA presence on subsequent pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Koubi
- Department of Internal Medicine, North Hospital, APHM, Chemin des Bourrely, 13015 Marseille, France.
| | - Pascal Rossi
- Department of Internal Medicine, North Hospital, APHM, Chemin des Bourrely, 13015 Marseille, France
| | - Robin Arcani
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, La Conception Hospital, APHM, 147 Bd Baille, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Quentin Gomes De Pihno
- Department of Internal Medicine, North Hospital, APHM, Chemin des Bourrely, 13015 Marseille, France
| | - Cecile Chau
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, North Hospital, Public Hospitals of Marseille, Aix-Marseille University, France
| | - Julie Blanc
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, North Hospital, Public Hospitals of Marseille, Aix-Marseille University, France; EA3279, CEReSS, Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, Aix-Marseille University, 13284 Marseille, France
| | - Charlotte Grosdidier
- Laboratory of Hematology, North Hospital, Public Hospitals of Marseille, Aix-Marseille University, France
| | - Christophe Guervilly
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, North Hospital, APHM, Chemin des Bourrely, 13015 Marseille, France
| | - Florence Bretelle
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, North Hospital, Public Hospitals of Marseille, Aix-Marseille University, France
| | - Fanny Bernard-Guervilly
- Department of Internal Medicine, North Hospital, APHM, Chemin des Bourrely, 13015 Marseille, France
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12
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Vomstein K, Feil K, Strobel L, Aulitzky A, Hofer-Tollinger S, Kuon RJ, Toth B. Immunological Risk Factors in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: Guidelines Versus Current State of the Art. J Clin Med 2021; 10:869. [PMID: 33672505 PMCID: PMC7923780 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10040869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Around 1-5% of all couples experience recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Established risk factors include anatomical, genetic, endocrine, and hemostatic alterations. With around 50% of idiopathic cases, immunological risk factors are getting into the scientific focus, however international guidelines hardly take them into account. Within this review, the current state of immunological risk factors in RPL in international guidelines of the European Society of Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), German/Austrian/Swiss Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (DGGG/OEGGG/SGGG) and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG) are evaluated. Special attention was drawn to recommendations in the guidelines regarding diagnostic factors such as autoantibodies, natural killer cells, regulatory T cells, dendritic cells, plasma cells, and human leukocyte antigen system (HLA)-sharing as well as treatment options such as corticosteroids, intralipids, intravenous immunoglobulins, aspirin and heparin in RPL. Finally, the current state of the art focusing on both diagnostic and therapeutic options was summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kilian Vomstein
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (K.F.); (L.S.); (A.A.); (S.H.-T.); (B.T.)
| | - Katharina Feil
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (K.F.); (L.S.); (A.A.); (S.H.-T.); (B.T.)
| | - Laura Strobel
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (K.F.); (L.S.); (A.A.); (S.H.-T.); (B.T.)
| | - Anna Aulitzky
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (K.F.); (L.S.); (A.A.); (S.H.-T.); (B.T.)
| | - Susanne Hofer-Tollinger
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (K.F.); (L.S.); (A.A.); (S.H.-T.); (B.T.)
| | - Ruben-Jeremias Kuon
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 440, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Bettina Toth
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (K.F.); (L.S.); (A.A.); (S.H.-T.); (B.T.)
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