The role of low-molecular-weight heparin on recurrent abortion: a review

Abstract

Recurrent abortion (RA) remains a significant challenge in gynecological practice. It is not only emotionally devastating for pregnant women but is also medically challenging. RA is the spontaneous loss in the first trimester of three or more consecutive pregnancies. The current review was aimed at investigating the role of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) in RA. The online databases MEDLINE and Google Scholar were used to perform a literature search for publications published between 2015 and 2013, without any date or language restrictions. We used a combination of relevant search terms "role, low, molecular, weight, heparin, recurrent, and abortion." We independently identified publications and systematically screened titles, abstracts, and full texts of the collected publications. LMWH was found to be used to treat RA due to its anticoagulants and anti-inflammatory effect. Its use is associated with a substantial improvement in live birth rates in most studies reviewed, with a few inconclusive. There was no significant improvement in late pregnancy complications in women treated with LMWH in the control group. Women treated with LMWH experienced very few adverse medication responses, and those that did occur were often moderate and self-limiting, making LMWH therapy a safe option. To create a consensus recommendation on the treatment of RA, further research on the use of LMWH is required, ideally in the form of sizable multicenter randomized control trials.