Low-molecular-weight heparin in the prevention of unexplained recurrent miscarriage: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

The etiology of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is complex and multifactorial and in half of patients it remains unexplained (U-RPL). Recently, low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) has gained increasing relevance for its therapeutic potential. On this regard, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to analyze the efficacy of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) from the beginning of pregnancy in terms of live birth rates (LBR) in U-RPL. Registered randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. We stratified findings based on relevant clinical factors including number of previous miscarriages, treatment type and control type. Intervention or exposure was defined as the administration of LMWH alone or in combination with low-dose aspirin (LDA). A total of 6 studies involving 1016 patients were included. The meta-analysis results showed that LMWH used in the treatment of U-RPL was not associated with an increase in LBR with a pooled OR of 1.01, a medium heterogeneity (26.42%) and no publication bias. Results of other sub-analyses according to country, treatment type, and control type showed no significant effect of LMWH on LBR in all subgroups, with a high heterogeneity. The results highlight a non-significant effect of LMWH in U-RPL on LBR based on moderate quality evidence.

Registration number: PROSPERO: (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022326433).