Research Article

The Role of Inflammation and Psychological Distress in Habitual Abortion: Analysis of Cytokines, Coagulation Markers, and DASS-21 Scores

Volume: 8 Number: 4 December 29, 2025
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The Role of Inflammation and Psychological Distress in Habitual Abortion: Analysis of Cytokines, Coagulation Markers, and DASS-21 Scores

Abstract

Objective: Habitual abortion (HA) is defined as two or more consecutive miscarriages occurring before the 20th week of pregnancy and before the fetus reaches 500 grams, affecting approximately 1-2% of all pregnancies. Inflammation is a crucial factor in HA pathophysiology, with proinflammatory cytokines like Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and Interleukin-8 (IL-8) potentially disrupting fetoplacental function. Psychological distress, particularly chronic stress, may also contribute by increasing inflammatory responses. This study investigates the relationship between inflammatory markers, hematological parameters, and psychological distress, as measured by the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), in HA patients. Methods: The study included 66 participants (34 HA patients, 32 healthy controls). Blood samples were analyzed for TNF-alpha, IL-8, Protein C, and Protein S levels, along with hematological parameters. Psychological distress was assessed using the DASS-21 scale. Data analysis involved independent t-tests, Pearson correlation, and logistic regression. Results: HA patients had significantly higher TNF-alpha (p=.023) and IL-8 (p=.034) levels and lower Protein C (p=.009) and Protein S (p=.026) levels than controls. DASS-21 scores were significantly higher in HA patients, positively correlating with TNF-alpha and IL-8. A one-unit increase in DASS-21 total score increased HA risk by 3.8 times (OR: 3.8, p=.024), while a one-unit increase in Protein C reduced HA risk by 0.8 times (OR: 0.8, p=.028). Conclusion: These findings suggest that inflammation and psychological distress play key roles in HA. Addressing inflammation and stress management may improve pregnancy outcomes in HA patients.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Psychosocial Aspects of Childbirth and Perinatal Mental Health, Clinical Midwifery

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

December 29, 2025

Submission Date

February 5, 2025

Acceptance Date

August 25, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 8 Number: 4

APA
Özkaya, A., Gürbüzer, N., Yoruk, N., Kadıoğlu, B. G., Çörek, M. C., & Akgül, B. N. (2025). The Role of Inflammation and Psychological Distress in Habitual Abortion: Analysis of Cytokines, Coagulation Markers, and DASS-21 Scores. Journal of Midwifery and Health Sciences, 8(4), 318-325. https://doi.org/10.62425/esbder.1632994
AMA
1.Özkaya A, Gürbüzer N, Yoruk N, Kadıoğlu BG, Çörek MC, Akgül BN. The Role of Inflammation and Psychological Distress in Habitual Abortion: Analysis of Cytokines, Coagulation Markers, and DASS-21 Scores. Journal of Midwifery and Health Sciences. 2025;8(4):318-325. doi:10.62425/esbder.1632994
Chicago
Özkaya, Alev, Nilifer Gürbüzer, Nurcan Yoruk, Berrin Göktuğ Kadıoğlu, Merve Ceylan Çörek, and Büşra Nur Akgül. 2025. “The Role of Inflammation and Psychological Distress in Habitual Abortion: Analysis of Cytokines, Coagulation Markers, and DASS-21 Scores”. Journal of Midwifery and Health Sciences 8 (4): 318-25. https://doi.org/10.62425/esbder.1632994.
EndNote
Özkaya A, Gürbüzer N, Yoruk N, Kadıoğlu BG, Çörek MC, Akgül BN (December 1, 2025) The Role of Inflammation and Psychological Distress in Habitual Abortion: Analysis of Cytokines, Coagulation Markers, and DASS-21 Scores. Journal of Midwifery and Health Sciences 8 4 318–325.
IEEE
[1]A. Özkaya, N. Gürbüzer, N. Yoruk, B. G. Kadıoğlu, M. C. Çörek, and B. N. Akgül, “The Role of Inflammation and Psychological Distress in Habitual Abortion: Analysis of Cytokines, Coagulation Markers, and DASS-21 Scores”, Journal of Midwifery and Health Sciences, vol. 8, no. 4, pp. 318–325, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.62425/esbder.1632994.
ISNAD
Özkaya, Alev - Gürbüzer, Nilifer - Yoruk, Nurcan - Kadıoğlu, Berrin Göktuğ - Çörek, Merve Ceylan - Akgül, Büşra Nur. “The Role of Inflammation and Psychological Distress in Habitual Abortion: Analysis of Cytokines, Coagulation Markers, and DASS-21 Scores”. Journal of Midwifery and Health Sciences 8/4 (December 1, 2025): 318-325. https://doi.org/10.62425/esbder.1632994.
JAMA
1.Özkaya A, Gürbüzer N, Yoruk N, Kadıoğlu BG, Çörek MC, Akgül BN. The Role of Inflammation and Psychological Distress in Habitual Abortion: Analysis of Cytokines, Coagulation Markers, and DASS-21 Scores. Journal of Midwifery and Health Sciences. 2025;8:318–325.
MLA
Özkaya, Alev, et al. “The Role of Inflammation and Psychological Distress in Habitual Abortion: Analysis of Cytokines, Coagulation Markers, and DASS-21 Scores”. Journal of Midwifery and Health Sciences, vol. 8, no. 4, Dec. 2025, pp. 318-25, doi:10.62425/esbder.1632994.
Vancouver
1.Alev Özkaya, Nilifer Gürbüzer, Nurcan Yoruk, Berrin Göktuğ Kadıoğlu, Merve Ceylan Çörek, Büşra Nur Akgül. The Role of Inflammation and Psychological Distress in Habitual Abortion: Analysis of Cytokines, Coagulation Markers, and DASS-21 Scores. Journal of Midwifery and Health Sciences. 2025 Dec. 1;8(4):318-25. doi:10.62425/esbder.1632994

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