The C20068T gene variant in the 3' end of the prothrombin gene and recurrent pregnancy loss: A pilot study

Abstract

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a health problem affecting up to 5% of women of reproductive age. Several thrombophilic risk factors might contribute to RPL.To investigate relationship between a novel C20068T gene variant in the 3' end of prothrombin gene and RPL, we tested 153 women with RPL and 111 controls for the presence of this gene variant. In patients, we have detected four heterozygous (2.61%) and no homozygous carriers. In controls, no carriers were detected. Our results indicate higher prevalence of C20068T gene variant in women with RPL but this difference was not statistically significant. However, in patients who suffered 5 or more RPL, frequency of C20068T gene variant was significantly increased compared to controls (12.5% vs. 0%, P=0.02). This is the first study which points out a possible role of C20068T gene variant in etiology of RPL, but larger studies should be carried out to confirm our findings.