A 30-year-old woman with three consecutive first-trimester pregnancy losses presents for evaluation. Which investigation is most important to identify a treatable cause?

• A Parental karyotyping
• B Antiphospholipid antibody testing (lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibodies) ✓
• C Thyroid function tests
• D Hysterosalpingography

Explanation

Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APAS) is the most common treatable cause of recurrent pregnancy loss. It causes thrombosis of placental vessels leading to fetal loss. Treatment with low-dose aspirin and heparin significantly improves live birth rates. Parental karyotyping is relevant but yields actionable results less often. Thyroid testing and uterine anomaly evaluation are part of the workup but APAS is the single most important treatable etiology.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.