Comparison of Specific Antibody Levels among Pregnant Women: A Case- Control Study

Author(s): Dr. Bidisha Chakma, Prof. Dr. Tripti Rani Das, Dr. Shah Noor Sharmin, Dr. Jinat Fatema, Farah Noor, Dr. Sabiha Islam, Dr. Dipika Majumder, Dr. Tanzina Iveen Chowdhury

Background:

Disorders of pregnancy, with preeclampsia, persists an important cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, with disproportionately high burdens experiential in low and middle-income countries such as Bangladesh. Emerging indication suggests a potential immunological basismainly the role of antiphospholipid antibodies like anticardiolipin IgMin the pathogenesis of these complications, meriting greater care in regional maternal healthcare policies.

Aim:

To find out the association between specific antibody levels among pregnant women.

Materials and Methods:

A case-control study was conducted at Bangladesh Medical University (BMU), Dhaka, from July 2021 to June 2022, including78 pregnant women at <20->30 weeks of gestation. Participants were selected purposively based on specific inclusion criteria. Socio-demographic, clinical, and biochemical data, with serum anticardiolipin IgM levels, was collected. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26, applying Fisher's Exact Test for Chi-square, with p<0.05 considered significant. Ethical approval and informed consent were taken.

Results:

Out of 78 participants, 12 cases used anticoagulants while none among controls did. In the case group, anticardiolipin IgM levels were normal in 21 and borderline in 18 individuals. Among controls, 24 had borderline and 15 had elevated levels. These results recommend a variance in antibody level distribution and anticoagulant use between the groups.

Conclusion:

High anticardiolipin IgM antibodies may underwrite to hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, even in the absence of classic autoimmune profiles. Broader aPL screening and initial intervention, with anticoagulant therapy, may help decrease adverse outcomes. These results warrant more investigation in greater, diverse populations.