Certolizumab to Prevent Pregnancy Complications in High-Risk Patients With APS or SLE - (IMPACT Study: IMProve Pregnancy in APS With Certolizumab Therapy)
This treatment trial evaluates the addition of an anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha drug, certolizumab, to usual treatment (a heparin agent and low-dose aspirin) in pregnant women with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and repeatedly positive tests for lupus anticoagulant (LAC) to determine if this regimen will improve pregnancy outcomes. All enrolled patients will receive certolizumab, and pregnancy outcomes will be compared to those of women with APS and repeatedly positive tests for LAC enrolled in a previous study by the investigators.
• Pregnant as defined by positive test for elevated ß-HCG and having a live, appropriate sized embryo by ultrasound, but \<8 weeks gestation;
• Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS);
• Positive for LAC on two or more occasions greater than 12 weeks apart within the previous 18 months. If a candidate for the study is newly diagnosed (\<12 weeks) with APS, meets clinical criteria for APS and has one positive LAC confirmed by review of the medical record, she may be consented and screened. At baseline, LAC will be measured at the study core lab and she will be enrolled if it is found to be positive. The LAC measurement will be repeated 12 weeks after the initial determination and, if positive, she will remain in the study.
• Age 18-40 (+364 days) years of age and able to give informed consent
• Laboratory hematocrit \>26% at time of screening.
⁃ the diagnosis of APS and LAC will be confirmed by one of the Co-PI's for each case by a review of the medical records.