In a nutshell
This study investigated if antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are associated with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). They found that positive ANAs were associated with a higher risk of RPL.
Some background
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a common condition. RPL is when a woman has two or more pregnancy losses. Treating RPL is difficult. In most cases, there is no clear cause. One of the possible causes could be an immune system problem. During pregnancy, the mother’s immune system is suppressed. This is a natural mechanism to allow the baby to grow.
Some studies suggest that autoantibodies (AABs) could be involved. AABs are antibodies that attack the body. AABs are involved in autoimmune diseases. There are many types of AABs. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are one of these. ANA attack proteins within cells. It is unclear if positive ANAs are associated with RPL.
Methods & findings
This study reviewed 21 clinical reports on RPL. These included overall 2683 patients with RPL and 2355 without RPL (control group). The authors compared data on RPL and ANA levels.
ANAs were observed in 22% of the women with RPL. This was compared to 8.3% of the control group. Women with RPL were 2.97 times more likely to have positive ANAs. Unexplained RPL was 3.27-times more common in ANA-positive women. Positive ANA was associated with a 2.23 times higher risk of RPL in women without diagnosed autoimmune disorders.
Low ANA levels (1:40-1:80) were not significantly associated with RPL, while higher ANA levels (1:160 or higher) were significantly associated with RPL.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that ANA positivity was associated with a higher risk of RPL.
The fine print
There were many differences between the studies. The criteria for ANA positivity differed in the studies. More studies are needed.
Published By :
Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism
Date :
May 19, 2020
