Role of activated protein C resistance in recurrent second trimester abortion

ABSTRACT

The aim of this work was to determine if the prevalence of activated protein C resistance [APCR] is higher in women with recurrent second trimester pregnancy loss. Study design: A prospective study carried out on 120 women in Kasr El-Aini in the period from January 1999 to March 2000, detailed history, clinical examination and assessment of APCR was carried out for all women on the study. Women were divided into three groups, 40 women with a previous history of two or more first trimester abortions 3, 40 women with a previous history of two or more second trimester pregnancy loss and 40 healthy multiparous women with no previous history of abortion as a control group. The prevalence of activated protein C resistance [APCR] was significantly higher amongst women who had second- trimester abortion [12/40 30%] compared with women who had experienced only first trimester abortion [4/40 10%] and the controls [2/40 5%]. Also, this study has shown that there was a significant difference as regards normalized ratio of activated protein C-sensitivity ratio [n-APC-SR]. Tests for APC resistance should be considered in cases of recurrent second trimester pregnancy loss, despite absence of previous thrombotic medical history