A prospective cohort study evaluating complement activation among pregnant patients with antiphospholipid syndrome

Summary

The complement system is made up of different proteins in the blood, and is part of the body’s immune system. Complement is part of the body’s defense against infection, but complement can also cause injury to our body’s own tissues. We are studying whether problems in the complement system may explain the pregnancy complications and blood clots that happen to pregnant patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), a serious blood clotting condition.

To help answer this question, we are looking for pregnant women who have APS and pregnant women who do not have APS. We would like to get blood work regularly during pregnancy including in people who do not have APS, which will test complement, blood clotting and platelet markers.

We are also looking for people who are not pregnant and do not have APS, to give blood up to 3 times to test complement, blood clotting and platelet markers.

Eligibility

Currently recruiting participants: Yes

Eligible ages: 18 to 50

Accepts healthy participants: Yes

Inclusion criteria:

We are including patients who meet the criteria for APS (positive blood tests and a prior blood clots or pregnancy complications) and pregnant patients who do not have APS.

We are also looking for people 18 years or older who are not pregnant and do not have APS.

Exclusion criteria:

For pregnant women who do not have APS, if you have a history of high blood pressure or kidney disease before pregnancy then you cannot take part.

You have to be able to go for blood work in Calgary (preferably Foothills Medical Centre) or you won't be able to participate in this study.

Participate

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Method of contact

Collection of personal information
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Additional information

Contact information

Please contact us below if you are interested in taking part in our study.

Principal investigator:

Leslie Skeith

Clinical trial:

No

REB-ID:

REB19-1447