Q: What does a recurrent miscarriage indicate?
A: Research indicates that patients who experience recurrent miscarriages may have one or more abnormal blood tests, certain genetic markers for thrombophilia, suggesting a possible correlation between inherited thrombophilia and recurrent fetal loss. One study found that 19% of miscarriage patients (15 of 80) carried the factor V Leiden mutation compared with 4% of controls. Other indicators of thrombophilia (prothrombin mutation, activated protein C resistance, and antithrombin III deficiency) are also more prevalent among women experiencing frequent miscarriages.
Patients with recurrent miscarriages can be tested for genetic markers of thrombophilia, including:
· Antiphosphotidylserine
· PAI-1 levels and activity
· Antithrombin III
· Prothrombin II mutation
· Protein C activity
· Protein S activity
· Factor V Leiden
· Lupus screen
· Antiphospholipid Antibodies
Abnormal Results on any of these tests may indicate an increased risk of forming placental blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, and potentially fatal pulmonary embolism during pregnancy.
Treatment regimens often used to manage thrombophilia may include heparin or Lovenox (low molecular-weight heparin) injections, and baby aspirin. These treatments are designed to improve blood flow in the follicle, optimize egg quality, and improve pregnancy outcomes.