The factor V Leiden and the G20210A prothrombin gene mutations are rare in women with fetal death.

Problem: To determine if there is an association between two commonly inherited thrombophilias, the factor V Leiden and the G20210A prothrombin mutations, and fetal death.

Method Of Study: We used a case-control study design to compare the frequencies of these mutations in women with fetal death and controls. Fetal death was the intrauterine death of the conceptus > or =10 weeks gestation. Controls had one live birth, no miscarriages, and no fetal death. Results were compared using chi square analysis.

Results: One hundred and seventy-five cases and controls were identified. There were 4.6% of cases and 3.8% of controls heterozygous for the factor V Leiden mutation (NS), and 1.3% of cases and 1.7% of controls heterozygous for the prothrombin mutation (NS).

Conclusion: In our population, neither the factor V Leiden nor the G20210A prothrombin mutations are associated with fetal death. Further evidence is required before routine screening for these mutations can be recommended.