The Effect of Aspirin on Recurrent Fetal Loss in Experimental Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Abstract

To evaluate the effect of aspirin treatment upon fetal loss in mice with experimental antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS). Experimental APLS was induced in pregnant mice by passive transfer of mouse monoclonal anticardiolipin antibody. The mice were treated with high (100 micrograms/d) or low (10 micrograms/d) dose of aspirin, using vitamin C (100 micrograms/d or 10 micrograms/d) as a control. The mice were assessed for the presence of lupus anticoagulants (prolonged aPTT), thrombocytopenia, degree of fetal resorption rate and mean embryo and placental weights. The mice with APLS had a higher fetal resorption rate (45.7 +/- 12.2% vs 2.5 +/- 0.4%, P < 0.001), reduced placenta mean weight (104 +/- 8 mg vs 169 +/- 7 mg, P < 0.001), prolonged aPTT (94 +/- 14 sec vs 39 +/- 4 sec, P < 0.001), and reduced mean platelet count (597 +/- 186 x 10(3)/mm3 vs 847 +/- 51 x 10(3)/mm3, P < 0.001). The group of mice with APLS, who were treated with low-dose aspirin, had a lower resorption rate (11.1 +/- 9.3% vs 45.7 +/- 12.2%, P < 0.001), a higher placenta mean weight (178 +/- 8 mg vs 104 +/- 8 mg, P < 0.001), a higher mean embryo weight (1042 +/- 134 mg vs 721 +/- 91 mg, P < 0.001), and a lower aPTT (58 +/- 15 sec vs 94 +/- 14 sec, P < 0.001). Mice who were treated with high-dose aspirin also had a lower resorption rate, although not as much as in the low-dose aspirin group (34.2 +/- 12.7% vs 45.7 +/- 12.2%, P < 0.001). Aspirin, especially in low dose, has a protective effect against obstetrical complications associated with experimental APLS.