Volume 104, Issue 3 p. 223-225
Clinical articles

Low-molecular-weight heparin versus intravenous immunoglobulin for recurrent abortion associated with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome

Spiros Dendrinos

Spiros Dendrinos

2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Aretaieion” Hospital, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece

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Evangelos Sakkas

Corresponding Author

Evangelos Sakkas

“MITERA” Private Maternity, Athens, Greece

Corresponding author. 169 Michalakopoulou Street, 11527, Athens, Greece. Tel.: +30 6944146944; fax: +30 2107758562.Search for more papers by this author
Evangelos Makrakis

Evangelos Makrakis

2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Aretaieion” Hospital, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece

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First published: 29 December 2008
Citations: 69

Abstract

Objective

To compare low-molecular-weight (LMW) heparin plus low-dose aspirin with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in the treatment of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome in women with recurrent spontaneous abortions before 10 weeks of gestation.

Method

This prospective, multicenter trial conducted between 2002 and 2006 included 85 patients aged 18–39 years. The women were allocated randomly to receive LMW heparin plus low-dose aspirin, or IVIG. Data were compared using the t test and Fisher exact test.

Results

The women treated with LMW heparin plus low-dose aspirin had a higher rate of live births than those treated with IVIG (P = 0.003). Of those who completed the study, 29/40 (72.5%) and 15/38 (39.5%), respectively, had live births. Intent-to-treat analysis revealed a significant difference between the 2 groups (OR 1.802; 95%CI, 1.14–2.84; P = 0.007).

Conclusions

LMW heparin plus low-dose aspirin resulted in a higher live birth rate than IVIG in the treatment of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome in women with recurrent abortion.