Antiphospholipid antibodies and the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveThis article aims to evaluate the magnitude of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) risks associated with different antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) profiles in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsMultiple databases were investigated to identify articles that explored the relationship between aPLs and APOs in SLE patients. A random effects model was used for calculating pooled odds ratios (OR). Stata version 15.0 was utilized to conduct the meta-analysis.ResultsThere were 5234 patients involved in 30 studies. Overall aPL was linked to an increased incidence of any kind of APOs, fetal loss, and preterm birth. Any kind of APOs and preterm delivery were more common in patients with lupus anticoagulant (LA) positive. Anticardiolipin antibody (aCL) was associated with an increased risk of any kind of APOs and fetal loss. The association between aCL-IgM and fetal loss was also significant. Patients with anti-beta2-glycoprotein1 antibody (anti beta 2GP1) positivity had an increased risk of fetal loss.ConclusionsBoth LA and aCL were risk factors of APOs in patients with SLE. Not only ACL, particularly aCL-IgM, but anti beta 2GP1 were associated with an increased risk of fetal loss, while LA appeared to indicate the risk of preterm birth.PROSPERO (CRD42023388122).ConclusionsBoth LA and aCL were risk factors of APOs in patients with SLE. Not only ACL, particularly aCL-IgM, but anti beta 2GP1 were associated with an increased risk of fetal loss, while LA appeared to indicate the risk of preterm birth.PROSPERO (CRD42023388122).