Obstetric complications of antiphospholipid antibodies.

Pregnancies occurring in women with antiphospholipid antibodies are at significantly increased risk of miscarriage, prematurity, intrauterine growth retardation and preeclampsia. Insights into the pathological basis of these conditions suggest that antiphospholipid antibodies impair embryonic implantation and in later gestations cause thrombosis of the uteroplacental vasculature. This offers a rational basis for thromboprophylaxis during pregnancy.