Correlation between grade III placenta and plasma antithrombin III activity in full term pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Hematology
• Perinatology

Background:

• Placental grading via ultrasound is a common method to assess fetal maturity.
• Blood hypercoagulability during pregnancy can increase risks for both mother and fetus.
• The relationship between placental maturity and hemostatic changes requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between ultrasound-assessed placental grade (I-III) and markers of blood hypercoagulability in healthy, full-term pregnancies.
• To determine if a grade III placenta is associated with altered levels of antithrombin III activity, thrombin-antithrombin complex, and D-dimer.

Main Methods:

• 155 healthy pregnant women between 37-39 weeks gestation were included.
• Placental grading was performed using ultrasound.
• Plasma levels of antithrombin III (AT III) activity, thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), and D-dimer were measured.
• Statistical analysis correlated placental grade with coagulation markers.

Main Results:

• Antithrombin III (AT III) activity levels significantly decreased with advancing placental grade (p < 0.05).
• D-dimer levels showed a similar decreasing tendency with higher placental grades.
• The incidence of reduced AT III activity (<70% and <80%) was notably higher in women with a grade III placenta compared to those with grade I or II.
• Thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT) levels did not show a significant correlation with placental grade.

Conclusions:

• The presence of a grade III placenta in full-term pregnancies correlates with indicators of blood hypercoagulability.
• Lower AT III activity in women with grade III placentas suggests a prothrombotic state.
• These findings highlight a potential link between placental maturity and hemostatic balance in late pregnancy.