Reproductive Failure and Thrombophilia: Not Enough Evidence for a Tight Bond

Objectives: The role of hereditary thrombophilia in reproductive failure (RF) is strongly debatable. In this retrospective single-center study, we analyzed pregnancy outcome in 175 women screened for thrombophilia after at least one event of RF. Results: The prevalence of thrombophilia in our cohort was 33.4%. Pregnancy survival curves were not different according to severity (log-rank, p = 0.302) or type of thrombophilia (log-rank, p = 0.532). In total, 81.7% of 175 subsequent pregnancies were proceeded with LMWH. Concomitant use of ASA was prescribed in 75 pregnancies according to physician choice. The primary endpoint was live birth rate (LBR) that succeeded in 152/175 next pregnancies (86.8%) and late obstetric complications (LOBC) which occurred in 17/175 next pregnancies (9.8%). In logistic regression analysis, neither the severity nor the type of thrombophilia was important for any pregnancy outcome (LBR or LOBC). Considering therapeutic interventions, the use of LMWH +/- ASA was not related to LBR or LOBC. The only factor inversely related to LBR was age above the cutoff value of 35.5 years (p = 0.049). Conclusions: Incidence of thrombophilia is increased among women with RF, but the severity or type of thrombophilia is not related to pregnancy outcome.

Automated summary

The incidence of thrombophilia is increased among women with RF, but the severity or type of thrombophilia is not related to pregnancy outcome. Age is an important factor influencing live birth rate in this population.