Obstetrics and gynaecology

Recurrent foetal loss

Relevant immunological tests:

• Anti-phospholipid antibodies
• Cardiolipin (IgG and IgM) antibodies

Mid-trimester foetal loss may be due to thrombosis of placental vessels in anti-phospholipid syndrome (primary or associated with SLE).

For additional information refer to Rheumatology/Connective Tissue Disease.

Gonadal failure

Relevant immunological tests:

• Ovary antibodies
• Testis antibodies
• Adrenal antibody

This may be due to autoimmune damage to the gonads in males or females associated with antibodies to ovary, testis and adrenal cortex (this is found with adrenocortical failure in autoimmune polyendocrinopathy).

(Last reviewed September 2024)