Prevention of fetal loss in experimental antiphospholipid syndrome by low-molecular-weight heparin.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of low-molecular-weight heparin with regular heparin in the prevention of fetal resorption in mice with the antiphospholipid syndrome.

STUDY DESIGN

Antiphospholipid syndrome was passively induced in ICR mice by injecting them with anticardiolipin antibodies on the first day of pregnancy. Subsequently, these mice were treated with low-molecular-weight heparin in two different doses, with regular heparin, and with a placebo. On gestational day 17 the mice were killed by cervical dislocation, and the pregnancy outcome was evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed by means of a one-way analysis of variance using Bonferroni's t test.

RESULTS

Treatment with low-molecular-weight heparin resulted in a resorption rate of 22.4% as opposed to 41.4% in mice with antiphospholipid syndrome that were given regular heparin and 51.7% in nontreated controls.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that low-molecular-weight heparin can prevent fetal resorptions in mice with antiphospholipid syndrome.