Sonoclot signature during normal pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Hematology
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• The Sonoclot analyser offers comprehensive hemostasis assessment, including plasma coagulation, platelet function, and fibrinolysis.
• Its utility is established in cardiovascular and hepatic surgery and may aid in managing obstetric complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish reference ranges for Sonoclot analyser variables in normal pregnancy.
• To evaluate changes in hemostasis parameters throughout gestation using the Sonoclot.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, longitudinal study involving 42 healthy pregnant women.
• Sonoclot analysis performed at multiple gestational points (10-15, 32-34, 38-40 weeks) and 8 weeks postpartum.
• Standard laboratory coagulation tests (hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count, fibrinogen, APTT) were also analyzed.

Main Results:

• Sonoclot variables indicated a hypercoagulable state during pregnancy, with decreased sonact time and peak time, and increased clot rate and secondary rate compared to postpartum.
• No significant changes in these specific Sonoclot variables were observed within different stages of pregnancy.
• Significant correlations were found between sonact time and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and between clot rate and APTT.

Conclusions:

• The Sonoclot analyser is user-friendly and its signatures are easily interpretable for assessing hemostasis in pregnancy.
• Established Sonoclot ranges are applicable throughout pregnancy, though they differ from postpartum ranges.
• Pregnancy is characterized by significant alterations in hemostasis detectable by the Sonoclot analyser.