Inheritance and perinatal consequences of inherited thrombophilia in Greece

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the impact of inherited thrombophilic factors on the gestational outcome of unselected pregnant women.

Method: A total of 392 women with spontaneous pregnancy were investigated for Factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A, and MTHFR C677T mutations. Adverse pregnancy outcomes were recorded.

Results: Thrombophilic genotypes were significantly higher in women with placental abruption. Heterozygocity for Factor V Leiden increased the risk for placental abruption 9.1 times. The MTHFR T677T genotype increased the risk for placental abruption 4.8 times despite folate supplements, and normal serum folate and B(12) levels. Women with inherited thrombophilia and previous obstetric complications were at significant risk for complications in a subsequent pregnancy (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Women with placental abruption should be screened for thrombophilic factors and plasma homocysteine should be measured. Subgroups of women with inherited thrombophilia and obstetric complications might benefit from prophylactic anticoagulation in subsequent pregnancies.