Definitions for "Antiphospholipid antibodies"
Antibodies which attack phospholipids. The presence of Antiphospholipid antibodies may indicate there is an underlying process that results in recurrent pregnancy loss. Phospholipids work to hold dividing cells together, and are necessary for growth of the placenta into the wall of the uterus. They also filter nourishment from the mother's blood to the baby, and filter the baby's waste back through the placenta. There are 7 antiphospholipid antibodies: anticardiolipin (ACA), phosphoethanolamine, phosphoinositol, phosphatidic acid, phosphoglycerol, phosphoserine, and hosphocholine. See article: Immunology may be key to pregnancy loss.
Abnormal proteins that may increase the tendency of the blood to clot
Antibodies to some of the chemical substances that coat the root system of the placenta as it grows into the uterine wall. Women with high concentrations of these substances may have a higher incidence of miscarriages or may fail to conceive after repeated attempts.