This is the current release of the guideline.

This guideline updates a previous version: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Antiphospholipid syndrome. Washington (DC): American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG); 2005 Nov. 9 p. (ACOG practice bulletin; no. 68). [68 references]

Antiphospholipid syndrome during pregnancy and postpartum

Women with antiphospholipid syndrome during pregnancy and postpartum

Screening/Diagnosis

1. Lupus anticoagulant test
2. Anticardiolipin antibody of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and/or immunoglobulin M (IgM) isotype in serum or plasma
3. Anti-β₂-glycoprotein I of IgG and/or IgM isotype in serum or plasma

Management

Pregnant Women

1. Serial ultrasonographic assessment
2. Antepartum testing in the third trimester

Long-term Management

1. Estrogen-free contraception
2. Referral to a physician with expertise in treatment of the syndrome

Treatment

Pregnant Women

1. Prophylactic low-dose aspirin and heparin
2. Postpartum anticoagulation
3. Corticosteroids
4. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) (considered but not recommended)

The MEDLINE database, the Cochrane Library, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' own internal resources and documents were used to conduct a literature search to locate relevant articles published between January 1985–November 2009. The search was restricted to articles published in the English language. Priority was given to articles reporting results of original research, although review articles and commentaries also were consulted. Abstracts of research presented at symposia and scientific conferences were not considered adequate for inclusion in this document. Guidelines published by organizations or institutions such as the National Institutes of Health and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists were reviewed, and additional studies were located by reviewing bibliographies of identified articles.

Not stated

Studies were reviewed and evaluated for quality according to the method outlined by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force:

I: Evidence obtained from at least one properly designed randomized controlled trial.

II-1: Evidence obtained from well-designed controlled trials without randomization.

II-2: Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case–control analytic studies, preferably from more than one center or research group.

II-3: Evidence obtained from multiple time series with or without the intervention. Dramatic results in uncontrolled experiments also could be regarded as this type of evidence.

III: Opinions of respected authorities, based on clinical experience, descriptive studies, or reports of expert committees.

Not stated

Analysis of available evidence was given priority in formulating recommendations. When reliable research was not available, expert opinions from obstetrician–gynecologists were used. See also the "Rating Scheme for the Strength of Recommendations" field regarding Level C recommendations.

Based on the highest level of evidence found in the data, recommendations are provided and graded according to the following categories:

Level A – Recommendations are based on good and consistent scientific evidence.

Level B – Recommendations are based on limited or inconsistent scientific evidence.

Level C – Recommendations are based primarily on consensus and expert opinion.

A formal cost analysis was not performed and published cost analyses were not reviewed.

Practice Bulletins are validated by two internal clinical review panels composed of practicing obstetrician-gynecologists generalists and sub-specialists. The final guidelines are also reviewed and approved by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Executive Board.

The grades of evidence (I-III) and levels of recommendation (A-C) are defined at the end of the "Major Recommendations" field.

The following recommendations are based on limited or inconsistent scientific evidence (Level B):

• Obstetric indications for antiphospholipid antibody testing should be limited to a history of one fetal loss or three or more recurrent embryonic or fetal losses.
• Testing for antiphospholipid antibodies should be performed in women with a prior unexplained venous thromboembolism, a new venous thromboembolism during pregnancy, or in those with a history of venous thromboembolism but not tested previously.
• In women with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and a history of stillbirth or recurrent fetal loss but no prior thrombotic history, prophylactic doses of heparin and low-dose aspirin during pregnancy and 6 weeks of postpartum should be considered.

The following recommendations are based primarily on consensus and expert opinion (Level C):

• For women with APS who have had a thrombotic event, most experts recommend prophylactic anticoagulation with heparin throughout pregnancy and 6 weeks postpartum.
• For women with APS who have not had a thrombotic event, expert consensus suggests that clinical surveillance or prophylactic heparin use antepartum in addition to 6 weeks of postpartum anticoagulation may be warranted.
• For long-term management postpartum, patients with APS should be referred to a physician with expertise in treatment of the syndrome, such as an internist, hematologist, or rheumatologist.
• Women with APS should not use estrogen-containing contraceptives.

Definitions:

Grades of Evidence

I: Evidence obtained from at least one properly designed randomized controlled trial.

II-1: Evidence obtained from well-designed controlled trials without randomization.

II-2: Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case–control analytic studies, preferably from more than one center or research group.

II-3: Evidence obtained from multiple time series with or without the intervention. Dramatic results in uncontrolled experiments also could be regarded as this type of evidence.

III: Opinions of respected authorities, based on clinical experience, descriptive studies, or reports of expert committees.

Levels of Recommendation

Level A – Recommendations are based on good and consistent scientific evidence.

Level B – Recommendations are based on limited or inconsistent scientific evidence.

Level C – Recommendations are based primarily on consensus and expert opinion.

None provided

The type of supporting evidence is identified and graded for each recommendation (see "Major Recommendations").

Not stated

The information is designed to aid practitioners in making decisions about appropriate obstetric and gynecologic care. These guidelines should not be construed as dictating an exclusive course of treatment or procedure. Variations in practice may be warranted based on the needs of the individual patient, resources, and limitations unique to the institution or type of practice.

An implementation strategy was not provided.

Not applicable: The guideline was not adapted from another source.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Committee on Practice Bulletins-Obstetrics

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) committees are created or abolished and their overall function defined by the Executive Board. Appointments are made for one year, with the understanding that such appointment may be continued for a total of three years. The majority of committee members are Fellows, but Junior Fellows also are eligible for appointment. Some committees may have representatives from other organizations when this is particularly appropriate to committee activities. The president elect appoints committee members annually.

Not stated

This is the current release of the guideline.

This guideline updates a previous version: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Antiphospholipid syndrome. Washington (DC): American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG); 2005 Nov. 9 p. (ACOG practice bulletin; no. 68). [68 references]

Electronic copies: None available

Print copies: Available for purchase from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Distribution Center, PO Box 933104, Atlanta, GA 31193-3104; telephone, 800-762-2264, ext. 192; e-mail: sales@acog.org. The ACOG Bookstore is available online at the ACOG Web site .

A proposed performance measure is included in the original guideline document.

None available

This NGC summary was completed by ECRI Institute on October 8, 2007. The information was verified by the guideline developer on December 3, 2007. This summary was updated by ECRI Institute on March 14, 2008 following the updated FDA advisory on heparin sodium injection. This summary was updated by ECRI Institute on July 27, 2010 following the FDA drug safety communication on Heparin. This summary was updated by ECRI Institute on March 23, 2011.

This NGC summary is based on the original guideline, which is subject to the guideline developer's copyright restrictions.