Antiphospholipid Syndrome Screening Results and Associated Obstetric Outcomes at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital

Abstract

Background Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease associated with venous and arterial thrombosis and adverse pregnancy outcomes that include recurrent early miscarriage, fetal death, early onset preeclampsia and placental insufficiency. However, there is limited data on APS prevalence and its impact in Africa. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of APS by laboratory criteria and its obstetric outcomes among pregnant women accessing care at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital (RMMCH) in Johannesburg, South Africa. Methods: Medical records of patients who were tested for at least two of the following – ACLA, LA, aB2GP1 and ANA between July 1, 2019, and December 31, 2019. Results: There were 511 patients who were tested for APS during the study period and 123 records were available for analysis. Only 2 (1.6%) met the diagnostic criteria for APS in the 123 records and 5 (0.84%) of the 511 patients met the diagnostic criteria. Conclusion: Despite the challenges associated with diagnosing APS, this study emphasises on the importance of screening for other conditions that may result in poor fetal and neonatal outcomes other than antiphospholipid syndrome,