ALIFE2 study: low-molecular-weight heparin for women with recurrent miscarriage and inherited thrombophilia--study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Paulien G de Jong, Siobhan Quenby, Kitty W M Bloemenkamp, Babette A M Braams-Lisman, Jan Peter de Bruin, Arri Coomarasamy, Michele David, Maria T DeSancho, Olivier W H van der Heijden, Annemieke Hoek, Barbara A Hutten, Kristin Jochmans, Carolien A M Koks, Walter K M Kuchenbecker, Ben Willem J Mol, Helen L Torrance, Hubertina C J Scheepers, Mary D Stephenson, Harold R Verhoeve, Jantien VisserJohanna I P de Vries, Mariëtte Goddijn, Saskia Middeldorp

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

46 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: A large number of studies have shown an association between inherited thrombophilia and recurrent miscarriage. It has been hypothesized that anticoagulant therapy might reduce the number of miscarriages and stillbirth in these women. In the absence of randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of anticoagulant therapy in women with inherited thrombophilia and recurrent miscarriage, a randomized trial with adequate power that addresses this question is needed. The objective of the ALIFE2 study is therefore to evaluate the efficacy of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) in women with inherited thrombophilia and recurrent miscarriage, with live birth as the primary outcome.

METHODS/DESIGN: Randomized study of LMWH plus standard pregnancy surveillance versus standard pregnancy surveillance alone.

STUDY POPULATION: pregnant women of less than 7 weeks' gestation, and confirmed inherited thrombophilia with a history of 2 or more miscarriages or intra-uterine fetal deaths, or both.

SETTING: multi-center study in centers from the Dutch Consortium of Fertility studies; centers outside the Netherlands are currently preparing to participate.

INTERVENTION: LMWH enoxaparin 40 mg subcutaneously once daily started prior to 7 weeks gestational age plus standard pregnancy surveillance or standard pregnancy surveillance alone. Main study parameters/endpoints: the primary efficacy outcome is live birth. Secondary efficacy outcomes include adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, syndrome of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP syndrome), fetal growth restriction, placental abruption, premature delivery and congenital malformations. Safety outcomes include bleeding episodes, thrombocytopenia and skin reactions.

DISCUSSION: After an initial period of slow recruitment, the recruitment rate for the study has increased. Improved awareness of the study and acknowledgement of the need for evidence are thought to be contributing to the improved recruitment rates. We aim to increase the number of recruiting centers in order to increase enrollment into the ALIFE2 study. The study website can be accessed via www.ALIFE2study.org.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: The ALIFE2 study was registered on 19 March 2012 under registration number NTR3361.

Original languageEnglish
Article number208
Number of pages10
JournalTrials
Volume16
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 7 May 2015

Keywords

  • Abortion, Habitual
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anticoagulants
  • Clinical Protocols
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Enoxaparin
  • Female
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Injections, Subcutaneous
  • Live Birth
  • Netherlands
  • Patient Selection
  • Pregnancy
  • Sample Size
  • Thrombophilia
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

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