Inherited and Acquired Thrombophilia and Infertility in a Population of Brazilian Women

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between thrombophilia and infertility Design: Cross-sectional study Setting: Assisted fertilization center Patients: The infertile women (n=130) selected were receiving care at a private clinic in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. A control group was comprised ofhealthy fertile women (n=260) who received care from a family planning outpatient clinic at the Women's Hospital (CAISM) of the University of Campinas (UNICAMP). Interventions: Blood samples were taken from all participants. Positive tests were repeated 12 weeks later to exclude transitory antiphospholipid antibodies. Main Outcome Measures: Determination of mutations in prothrombin genes, factor V Leiden, as well as deficiencies of protein C, protein S and antithrombin III (AT‐III), anticardiolipin antibody, and lupus anticoagulant. Results: Anticardiolipin antibodies were found in 10% of the infertile women and in 0.4% of the fertile women (p<0.0001; OR= 3.61), while lupus anticoagulant was found in 0.8% of the infertile group and in none of the fertile group (p 0.33 ; OR= 0.24). Protein C deficiency was found in 3.8% and 0.8% (p 0.04 ; OR= 0.97), protein S deficiency in 5.4% and 0% (p<0.0001; OR= 1.7), antithrombin deficiency in 3.8% and 0.4% (p<0.01; OR= 1.2), Factor V Leiden in 3.1% and 1.5% (p 0.45 ; OR= 0.5), and prothrombin gene mutation G20210A in 2.3% and 1.9% (p 1.0 ; OR= 0.28), respectively. Conclusion: Acquired and Inherited thrombophilia, as evidenced by positive results for anticardiolipin antibody and natural anticoagulant deficiency (PC, PS, and AT) are more common in infertile women. However, prospective population studies are needed to confirm the data presented.