ISSN 2997-1036
International Journal of Hematology | Vol. 8, No. 1, January 2017 | pp. 1–8
DOI: 10.46882/2017/IJH/000085
Original Article
Title: Screening for lupus anticoagulant utilizing a simplified dilute prothrombin time assay protocol in patients with unexplained recurrent fetal loss
Names of Authors: Y. Z. Ibrahim¹, A. B. Okafor², C. D. Danjuma³
Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Haematology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria; ²Department of Pathology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; ³Department of Haematology, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria
Abstract: Lupus anticoagulant is an important acquired thrombophilic indicator linked to recurrent pregnancy complications and early fetal death. This prospective diagnostic study evaluated the performance of a simplified dilute prothrombin time (dPT) assay protocol, utilizing a 1:100 dilution of standard thromboplastin reagent, for identifying lupus anticoagulant in 80 women with a history of unexplained recurrent fetal loss. Test samples underwent automated screening and subsequent high-phospholipid confirmation steps to establish diagnostic correction ratios, with results compared to reference diluted Russell’s viper venom time guidelines. Lupus anticoagulant presence was confirmed in 17.5% (14 of 80) of the patient cohort. The simplified dilute prothrombin time protocol demonstrated a sensitivity of 85.7% and a specificity of 89.3% when evaluated against the reference method. Dilute prothrombin time confirmation ratios correlated with a history of mid-trimester pregnancy loss (r = 0.45, P < 0.05). Utilizing this simplified, low-phospholipid clot protocol provides an accessible and cost-effective screening alternative for maternal health facilities lacking advanced specialized thrombophilia diagnostic profiles.
Keywords: Lupus anticoagulant, dilute prothrombin time, thrombophilia, recurrent fetal loss, antiphospholipid syndrome
Manuscript Timeline: Received: October 18, 2016; Revised: November 24, 2016; Accepted: December 12, 2016; Published: January 14, 2017