Sequential studies in pre-eclampsia using plasma fibrinogen chromatography

The technique of plasma fibrinogen chromatography was used to study sequential changes in coagulant and fibrinolytic activity in six patients with severe pre-eclampsia. Plasma soluble fibrinogen-fibrin complex and plasma fibrinogen-fibrin degradation product levels were measured as indices of coagulant and fibrinolytic activity respectively. Clinical deterioration antenatally was accompanied by increasing coagulant and decreasing fibrinolytic activity, while a more stable clinical picture was associated with steady coagulant and increasing fibrinolytic activity. Following delivery, a surge in fibrinolytic activity accompanied or preceded clinical recovery. The pattern of increased coagulant and diminished fibrinolytic activity would seem to favour the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation in these patients and it is possible that the balance between coagulant and fibrinolytic activity may influence the clinical course and outcome of the pregnancy.