Preeclampsia-eclampsia syndrome and coagulation

In balance, available studies employing sophisticated coagulation assays demonstrate enhanced thrombin generation in women with preeclampsia. The etiology is unknown but likely stems from the damage of vascular endothelium. Although activation of the clotting cascade does not cause preeclampsia, it likely contributes to the manifestations by obstruction and trauma of the microvasculature. Markers of clotting cascade activation such as AT III may be useful in the hypertensive preterm patient in whom the diagnosis is unclear.