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Activated protein C resistance in preeclampsia
S Cagirgan1, A Donmez, C Ispahi
1Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey.
Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics & Gynecology
|March 5, 2004
Summary
Activated protein C resistance (APCR) is more prevalent in preeclamptic women, suggesting it plays a role in preeclampsia development. This study evaluated APCR incidence in preeclamptic versus healthy women.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Hematology
- Thrombosis Research
Background:
- Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication linked to thromboembolic events.
- Hemostatic balance alterations are implicated in preeclampsia pathogenesis.
- Activated protein C resistance (APCR) is a known risk factor for thrombosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of APCR in women with preeclampsia.
- To compare APCR levels between preeclamptic, healthy pregnant, and normal women.
Main Methods:
- Measured Activated protein C sensitivity ratio (APC-SR) using a modified activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) assay.
- Included 19 preeclamptic women, 12 healthy pregnant women, and 26 normal controls.
- Defined APCR presence as an APC-SR value below 2.
Main Results:
- Median APC-SR was significantly lower in preeclamptic (2.12) and healthy pregnant (2.01) women compared to normal controls (2.31).
- APCR was detected in 31% of preeclamptic patients, versus 16.6% in healthy pregnant women and 7.6% in controls.
- A statistically significant difference was observed in APC-SR values across the groups (p = 0.0005, p = 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Activated protein C resistance (APCR) is significantly more frequent in women with preeclampsia.
- APCR may contribute to the underlying mechanisms of preeclampsia.
- Further research into the role of coagulation factors in preeclampsia is warranted.