Antiapolipoprotein A-1 Autoantibody Positivity Is Associated with Threatened Abortion.

BACKGROUND: Autoantibodies against apolipoprotein A-1 (anti-ApoA-1 IgG) were demonstrated to be associated with cardiovascular outcomes in several inflammatory diseases. As balanced inflammation is critical for uncomplicated pregnancy, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of anti-ApoA-1 IgG and anti-c-terminal ApoA-1 autoantibodies (Ac-terAA1 IgG) in a cohort of pregnant women and their potential relationship with threatened abortion (TA). METHODS: Between 2012 and 2014, 371 consecutive outpatient pregnant women were included in this study and followed until delivery. Anti-ApoA-1 and anti-Ac-terAA1 IgG were measured by ELISA technique on serum samples collected between the 24th and 26th week of pregnancy. Associations with TA were tested using linear regression analysis and C-statistics. RESULTS: Median age was 34 with a prevalence of the Caucasian ethnicity (90.5%). TA occurred in 10 women (2.7%). C-statistics indicated that anti-ApoA-1 and anti-Ac-terAA1 IgG levels upon study inclusion were predictive of TA (0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.69-0.78, p < 0.001 and 0.76, 95% CI 0.71-0.80, p < 0.001 and 0.76, 95% CI 0.71-0.80, p < 0.001 and 0.76, 95% CI 0.71-0.80, p < 0.001 and 0.76, 95% CI 0.71-0.80. CONCLUSION: Anti-ApoA-1 and anti-Ac-terAA1 IgG are independently associated with TA during pregnancy with an appealing NPV. The causal biological mechanisms underlying this association as well as the possible clinical relevance of these findings require further investigations.

C-Reactive Protein Levels at the Midpregnancy Can Predict Gestational Complications.

Although essential for a successful pregnancy, a growing body of evidence suggests that maternal inflammation, when dysregulated, may represent a risk factor for both maternal and neonatal outcomes. Here, we assessed the accuracy of maternal C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations at the middle phase of pregnancy in the identification of maternal adverse outcomes (MAO) until delivery. A correlation between CRP and a complicated pregnancy including both maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes has been investigated, too. In this retrospective study, conducted at the Diabetology Unit of IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa (Italy), 380 outpatient pregnant women have been enrolled at the prenatal visit before performing a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test at 24th-26th gestational week for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) screening. Demographic, medical, and reproductive history has been obtained by verbal interview. Data about pregnancy and delivery have been retrieved from medical records. The median value of maternal baseline serum CRP was 3.25 µg/mL. Women experiencing MAO were older, more frequently suffering from hypertension, and showed higher CRP concentrations, with a cutoff value >1.86 µg/mL found by a ROC curve analysis to be accurately predictive for MAO. By a logistic regression analysis, serum CRP levels >1.86 µg/mL have been found to predict MAO also considering maternal age, hypertension, and GDM. Maternal CRP levels have been positively associated with overall pregnancy adverse outcomes (maternal and neonatal), too. In conclusion, in pregnant women serum levels of CRP can early recognize subjects at higher risk for maternal and neonatal complications needing a more stringent follow-up.