Platelet function and coagulation in normal and preeclamptic pregnancy

Platelet function and coagulation activity were followed prospectively throughout normal pregnancy and in puerperium in 17 healthy women. Plasma beta-thromboglobulin reflecting platelet activation increased progressively during pregnancy. This was not accompanied by any changes in platelet count or lifespan nor in serum or plasma thromboxane B2 levels. The levels of both factor VIII:C and factor VIIIR:Ag increased, the former less than the latter resulting in a rise of the FVIIIR:Ag/FVIII:C ratio. Antithrombin III (AT III), however remained unaltered. FVIIIR:Ag/FVIII:C ratio was increased both in mild (n = 7) and severe (n = 9) preeclampsia, whereas beta-thromboglobulin was increased and AT III was decreased only in severe preeclampsia. Platelet count and lifespan, plasma and serum thromboxane B2 as well as FVIII:C were normal in severe preeclampsia.