Management of very high risk pregnancy with secondary anti-phospholipid syndrome and triple positivity to the anti-phospholipid antibodies

Abstract

There is a significantly increased risk of pregnancy complications in women with anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS). The risk is further heightened in those with previous arterial or venous thromboembolism and so-called ‘triple positivity’ for anti-phospholipid antibodies (i.e., when lupus anticoagulant, and anti-cardiolipin (aCL) and anti-β₂ glycoprotein-I (anti-β₂Gp-I) antibodies are all detected). Management of these cases is extremely difficult and little is available in the medical literature to guide therapy. This report describes the use of regular plasma exchanges (PEx) to bring about a successful pregnancy outcome in a woman with secondary APS and previous recurrent miscarriages. The patient was also anticoagulated with enoxaparin and administered aspirin, prednisolone, azathioprine and hydroxychloroquine. Through regular PEx and immunomodulation therapy, levels of aCL and anti-β₂Gp-I antibodies were monitored and documented to fall as pregnancy progressed. Although the outcome in this case was successful, further experience is required before this regimen can be accepted as the standard of care for these patients at very high risk of pregnancy loss.