Miscarriages May Be a Symptom of Greater Health Risk
Diagnostic Tests Can Uncover Potential Serious, Lifelong Conditions
Contact:
Julie Dennehy - 508-533-8311
or
Julie@dennehypr.com
WOBURN, Mass. (June 8, 2005) – According to the infertility diagnostics experts at Massachusetts-based Repromedix, a specialty testing lab, miscarriage is a painful and, unfortunately, common event, occurring in a reported 20 percent of all pregnancies. Multiple miscarriage (defined as three or more successive losses) is particularly traumatic. Approximately 7 of every 1,000 women who become pregnant will experience multiple miscarriage, known medically as Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL).
Unfortunately, the pain of recurrent pregnancy loss may be compounded by its significance as a symptom of a serious medical condition with lifelong implications for both mother and child. As an example, miscarriage patients who test positive for Thrombophilia, or abnormally high blood clotting, may not only be at risk for more miscarriages but also for broader health problems such as stroke, pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis.
Are you at risk? RPL patients’ broader health problems may include:
- Thrombophilia (abnormally high blood clotting): 40-60 percent of unexplained multiple miscarriage is associated with thrombotic defects. Each year, more than 600,000 Americans die from abnormal blood clots. Women with consecutive, unexplained early or late pregnancy losses or a personal or family history of coagulation disorder and one or more miscarriage should be tested. Potential appropriate tests include Factor V Leiden (coagulation), Protein C Activity, Prothrombin Mutation, Antithrombin Activity and LAC (Lupus Anti-coagulant).
- Autoimmune Diseases, such as lupus, thyroid conditions, or APS (antiphospho-lipid syndrome): Certain autoimmune conditions such as lupus and APS are associated with RPL and infertility. Autoimmune disorders can affect many aspects of health, from the thyroid to the kidneys to the digestive system. APS can lead to lifelong health problems such as organ damage and circulatory problems. If you have a personal or family history of autoimmune disease and unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss, ask your doctor about these potentially appropriate tests: ACA/APA, LAC (Lupus Anti-coagulant), ANA, ATGA/AMA and AOA.
- Endocrine Disorders, such as PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome): There appears to be a higher rate of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, and pregnancy-induced high blood pressure in women with PCOS. Women with PCOS are also at higher risk for high cholesterol and heart disease. Women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss or inability to get pregnant and physical symptoms such as menstrual disorders, pelvic pain, certain skin disorders, sleep apnea, high blood pressure should ask their doctor about these tests: Glucose (Fasting and Post-Prandial); Insulin (Fasting and Post-Prandial); Testosterone (Fasting Free and Total); Fasting IGFBP1; Fasting SHBG; 17-OH Progesterone and DHEAS-Sulfate.
Diagnostic tests can help your OB/GYN uncover, treat and counsel for these and other conditions. Visit www.repromedix.com for more information about diagnostic tests and helpful links.
About Repromedix
Repromedix is the leading national laboratory specializing in advanced reproductive testing. By taking an interdisciplinary approach to clinical testing, the company helps doctors find solutions to their most difficult cases of female and male infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, and high-risk pregnancy.
The company, based in Woburn, MA, was founded in 1994 by CEO Craig Sockol. It serves physicians and their patients throughout the United States and Canada.
