Complement activation as a mediator of antiphospholipid antibody induced pregnancy loss and thrombosis

[...]current treatment regimens are imperfect and many treated pregnant patients suffer complications such as pre-eclampsia, uteroplacental insufficiency, intrauterine fetal growth restriction, and preterm birth. 11, 12 Thirdly, understanding how aPL antibodies "cause" miscarriage will probably lead to important insights into the mechanisms of miscarriages in general, thereby benefiting women with non-aPL related miscarriages. [...]placental aPL antibodies promote platelet and endothelial cell activation and directly induce procoagulant activity through interaction with elements of the coagulation pathway. 21, 23, 48- 51 This activity, however, does not seem to be sufficient to cause fetal loss or growth restriction as C3-/- mice are protected.