[Immuno-pathomorphological study of placenta with anticardiophospholipid antibody positive].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the anticardiophospholipid antibody (ACA)-positive cases and the poor pregnancy outcomes by observing the immuno-pathomorphology of the placenta.

METHODS: 16 cases of ACA-positive placenta (8 normal and 8 poor pregnancy outcomes) were collected as the studied group, and 8 cases of ACA-negative placentas served as the controlled group, and immunofluorescence technique (IFT) was used.

RESULTS: In the studied group, the deposits of immuno-complex were found in the cytoplasm of trophoblast and on the walls of villous blood vessels. IgA manifested as filiform, and IgG, IgM, C3 and C4 appeared as filiform, granular and tubercular as well. In contrast, all the immuno-globulins displayed negative reaction in the controlled group, and C4 demonstrated some small focal positive reaction. The frequency of ACA-positive in IUGR cases were 19.30% (22/144), and of the IUGR in all the ACA-positive pregnant women was 15.28%(22/144). There were 3 cases of IUGR complicated by severe pregnancy induced hypertension, 2 cases of prematurity and 5 newborns with serum ACA IgG positive.

CONCLUSION: The poor pregnancy outcome in ACA-positive women is related to the dysfunction of autoimmuno-system, and ACA-positive may be one of the causes of IUGR. The immuno-injury occurred in the placenta may affect the normal function of placenta. Maternal antibody may be transmitted to the fetus, and its significance needs further study.