Pregnancy-associated disease of the renal microcirculation

1. Platelet factor 3, platelet survival, renal platelet localization and fibrinolytic activity have been studied in normotensive subjects with a previous history of pregnancy-associated hypertension. Studies were carried out up to 6 years after the complicated pregnancy. 2. Renal platelet localization was found to be significantly increased despite normal platelet survival and platelet factor 3 availability. Significant impairment of both resting and post-venous-occlusion fibrinolytic activity was also demonstrable. 3. The significance of these findings in relation to mediation of progressive intrarenal vascular disease is discussed.