Thrombophilia prevalence among women with placenta-mediated pregnancy complications

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of thrombophilia in patients with placenta-mediated pregnancy complications (PMPC).

METHODS: Patients referred for thrombophilia testing at Odense University Hospital, Denmark, owing to PMPC between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2014, were included in the present retrospective study. Data collected from patient medical records included the type of PMPC, history of previous thrombosis, and arterial thrombosis risk factors.

RESULTS: A total of 103 patients were included in the study; 25 (24.3%) were diagnosed with thrombophilia. Among the study population, factor V Leiden was the most dominant thrombophilia and was diagnosed in 11 (10.7%) patients (compared with 7% prevalence in the general population). The prevalence of all thrombophilias (except prothrombin mutation) was significantly higher in patients with PMPC in comparison with the reported prevalence in the general population.

CONCLUSION: The incidence of thrombophilia was higher in patients with PMPC than in the general population. A positive thrombophilia diagnosis in a patient with PMPC can have significant clinical consequences for future pregnancies. It can also instigate thrombophilia testing among a patient's family members if necessary. Owing to these advantages, continued thrombophilia testing in these patients seems appropriate.