Objective:
Abortus imminens is a critical complication observed 10-20% of all pregnant women. Subchorionic hematoma is an important parameter in the diagnosis of abortus imminens; however, it is yet to be known the exact cause of subchorionic hematoma. A relation is thought to exist between anti-cardiolipin antibodies and subchorionic hematoma. So, we hereby in this study have compared the positiveness of the anti-cardiolipin antibodies in women with and without subchorionic hematoma. We have as well examined whether there is a relation between pregnancy outcomes and anti-cardiolipin positiveness.
Methods:
The study has been planned as a case-controlled one, in which 41 women with abortus imminens and subchorionic hematoma; and 29 women with abortus imminens and without subchorionic hematoma were included and where the demographic data of those women were defined. The level of anti-cardiolipin antibodies (IgG, IgM) was measured by ELISA method.
Results:
No substantive difference has been detected between women with abortus imminens having subchorionic hematoma; and women with abortus imminens not having subchorionic hematoma in terms of age, parity and gravity. Compared to the women without subchorionic hematoma, the anti-cardiolipin antibody positiveness has been observed to be higher in the women with subchorionic hematoma in statistical terms. Furthermore, unfavorable pregnancy outcomes have been seen at a higher rate in pregnant women with positive anti-cardiolipin antibody compared to the nonpositive ones in the study.
Conclusion:
The circulating anti-cardiolipin antibody levels were found to be elevated in women with abortus imminens having subchorionic hematoma compared to those women with abortus imminens not having subchorionic hematoma and there was a relationship between anti-cardiolipin antibody and unfavorable pregnancy outcome.
Keywords: Abortus imminens, subchorionic hematoma, anti-cardiolipin antibody, pregnancy outcomes