Folate receptor autoantibodies in pregnancy related complications.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Folate receptor autoantibodies in women have been associated with neural tube pregnancy and in children with cerebral folate deficiency syndrome and autism. These autoantibodies have been implicated in blocking folate transport to the fetus and to the brain in infants. METHODS: We report a woman with multiple pregnancy related complications who was diagnosed with autoantibodies to the folate receptor alpha. RESULTS: A treatment strategy with folate supplementation and reducing the antibody titer proved effective in normal pregnancy outcome. CONCLUSION: This long-term follow up of a subject with folate receptor autoantibodies is a first report of its kind and describes treatment strategy to prevent pregnancy related complications due to folate receptor autoantibodies.