Role of Infection in Obstetric Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Women with antiphospholipid syndrome, a clotting disorder that can occur in lupus patients, are at high risk for pregnancy complications like miscarriage and preeclampsia, which causes hypertension and swelling. It’s known that in women with lupus, antiphospholipid antibodies can attack the placenta and change its normal function of maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Dr. Abrahams’ study will test whether bacterial infections make pregnant women more susceptible to the effects of antiphospholipid syndrome, and if this susceptibility worsens the pregnancy complications brought on by the syndrome. Her research will help find better ways to predict and prevent pregnancy complications in women with antiphospholipid syndrome, dramatically improving the long-term wellbeing of both mother and child.

What this study means for people with lupus

Dr. Abrahams’ novel study aims to predict and prevent traumatic complications such as miscarriages and preeclampsia — hypertension and swelling — that can occur in pregnant women who have the blood clotting disorder antiphospholipid syndrome.