SPIN Study: the effect of aspirin and heparin on pregnancy loss
Claire McLintock
Recurrent pregnancy loss affects 1-3% of couples, causing significant emotional distress. Intensive monitoring of women in a recurrent miscarriage clinic is known to improve the chance of having a successful pregnancy. A small number of women with recurrent miscarriage have antiphospholipid antibodies, which increase blood clotting. Studies have shown these women have a better chance of sustaining a pregnancy by taking aspirin and the anticoagulant heparin. However, it is not known whether this approach would improve pregnancy outcome for the majority of women with unexplained recurrent miscarriage who do not have antiphospholipid antibodies. Of concern, an increasing number of women are being offered this treatment without confirmation of any benefit.
In conjunction with researchers from Scotland and England, Dr Claire McLintock is carrying out a study that compares whether women who take a low dose aspirin and a daily heparin injection, in addition to intensive monitoring of the pregnancy, are more likely to have a successful pregnancy than women who receive intensive monitoring alone. Women in Auckland, England and Scotland who have had two or more pregnancy losses before 24 weeks gestation and have no known clotting tendency or antiphospholipid antibody are being invited to participate in the study, known by the acronym SPIN – Scottish Pregnancy Intervention. The findings of this study will help to improve treatments for women suffering recurrent pregnancy loss.
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