RESUMO
This cross-sectional case-control study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of anticardiolipin antibodies [ACA] among non-pregnant women, normal pregnancy and complicated pregnancy. The sample was selected from three groups. Group A; non-pregnant women, Group B; healthy pregnant women and Group C included complicated pregnancies. All patients had an initial screening for A CA levels [qualitative assessment]. Those who tested positive or borderline were retested [quantitative assessment] after an interval of at least 8 weeks. Data of 496 women were analyzed. Fifty-two [10.5%] women had a previous complicated pregnancy of the total 496 women only five [1%] were positive for either IgG or IgM. Only one [0.2%] tested strongly positive [IgM]. The prevalence of A CA was 0.6% for group A and 1.2% for group B and C. The difference was not statistically significant. In conclusion, this study suggests that the prevalence of A CA in very low in this population. Prenatal complications were not associated with ACA status. The use of prophylactic anticoagulants should be based on confirmed laboratory diagnosis
RESUMO
The incidence of perinatal death resulting from rhesus Rh isoimmunization has dropped dramatically since the introduction of Rh immunoglobulin. However, Rh sensitization continues to be one of the leading causes of fetal anemia. Our patient is a 38-year-old woman; she gives a history of 2 uneventful pregnancies followed by 5 consecutive stillbirths. Investigations revealed an anti-D titre of 1/2048 and anti-C titre of 1/256. Ultrasound examination revealed fetal ascites at 18 weeks gestation. The fetus had a total of 9 successful intrauterine transfusions. She was delivered by an elective cesarean section at 34 weeks gestation; outcome was a healthy female baby weighing 2060g. Examination at 9 month of age showed normal growth and neurodevelopment