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Updated: Feb 8, 2026
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Methods for Studying Uterine Contributions to Pregnancy Establishment in an Ovariectomized Mouse Model
Published on: April 7, 2023
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D-dimer during pregnancy: establishing trimester-specific reference intervals
Irene Gutiérrez García1, Pablo Pérez Cañadas1, Juan Martínez Uriarte2
1a Biochemistry Department , Hospital General Universitario Santa Lucía , Cartagena , Spain.
Summary
Pregnancy elevates venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk. This study establishes trimester-specific D-dimer reference intervals for healthy pregnancies, crucial for accurate VTE diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Hematology
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Pregnancy increases venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk.
- D-dimer is a VTE biomarker with limited utility in pregnancy due to physiological level increases.
- Establishing pregnancy-specific D-dimer reference intervals is essential for accurate VTE diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To track D-dimer level changes throughout normal pregnancy.
- To define trimester-specific reference intervals for plasma D-dimer.
- To improve VTE diagnosis in pregnant individuals.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal prospective study of 102 healthy pregnant women.
- Plasma D-dimer levels measured using a latex-based immunoturbidimetric assay.
- Reference intervals calculated per Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines.
Main Results:
- D-dimer levels increased significantly and progressively during pregnancy.
- Third-trimester D-dimer levels exceeded the conventional 500 µg/L cut-off in 99% of women.
- Defined reference intervals: Trimester 1: 169-1202 µg/L, Trimester 2: 393-3258 µg/L, Trimester 3: 551-3333 µg/L.
Conclusions:
- The study provides validated, trimester-specific D-dimer reference intervals for normal pregnancy.
- These intervals, determined via latex-based immunoturbidimetry, aid in VTE assessment.
- Further studies are recommended to validate these findings in pregnant women with suspected VTE.
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