American Society of Hirudotherapy

Obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome.

Review published in Medicina clinica (2024)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Narrative reviewClinical TrialsDrug DevelopmentSoto-Peleteiro et al. · Medicina clinica, 2024

Abstract

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is the most frequent acquired thrombophilia of autoimmune basis. Pregnancy complications of APS may include recurrent miscarriage, and placental dysfunction presenting as fetal death, prematurity, intrauterine growth restriction and preeclampsia. For the management of obstetric APS, a coordinated medical-obstetric management is essential, and this should start for a preconceptional visit in order to estimate the individual risk for complications, adjust therapies and establish the indications for preconceptional and first-trimester therapy. The basis of APS therapy during pregnancy is low-dose aspirin, combined in certain clinical scenarios with low-molecular weight heparin. Induction of delivery should not be routinely indicated in the absence of maternal and/or fetal complications. Postpartum management should be warranted.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal ArticleReviewResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Indexed MeSH termsAntiphospholipid SyndromeHumansPregnancyFemaleAspirinPregnancy ComplicationsAnticoagulantsHeparin, Low-Molecular-WeightPregnancy Complications, Hematologic

Summary

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is the most frequent acquired thrombophilia of autoimmune basis. Pregnancy complications of APS may include recurrent miscarriage, and placental dysfunction presenting as fetal death, prematurity, intrauterine growth restriction and preeclampsia.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This review addresses obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome management, emphasizing coordinated medical-obstetric care starting preconception, with low-dose aspirin combined with low-molecular-weight heparin in certain scenarios. It is relevant to ASH's domain only broadly through its discussion of anticoagulation therapy—hirudin and related agents share the broader anticoagulant therapeutic landscape. The abstract contains no mention of leeches, hirudotherapy, or hirudin-derived agents. Its relevance to hirudotherapy is indirect and limited to the general anticoagulation context.

Citation

Obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome.

Soto-Peleteiro et al. · Medicina clinica, 2024

Added to ASH library: May 28, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

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