Factor VIIIR:Ag/Factor VIII:C and their ratio in obstetrical cases

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Obstetrics
• Reproductive Medicine

Background:

• Elevated coagulation factor levels are common during pregnancy.
• Previous studies reported significant increases in Factor VIII during pregnancy, labor, and puerperium.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate Factor VIII-related antigen (Factor VIIIR:Ag) and Factor VIII:C levels and their ratio during pregnancy, labor, and puerperium.
• To assess the clinical utility of the Factor VIIIR:Ag/Factor VIII:C ratio in normal and complicated pregnancies.

Main Methods:

• Measurement of Factor VIIIR:Ag and Factor VIII:C levels.
• Analysis of the Factor VIIIR:Ag/Factor VIII:C ratio in different stages of pregnancy, labor, and puerperium.
• Comparison with normal non-pregnant controls and cases with obstetrical complications.

Main Results:

• Factor VIIIR:Ag and Factor VIII:C levels were significantly increased during pregnancy, labor, and puerperium, but less so than reported by some international studies.
• The Factor VIIIR:Ag/Factor VIII:C ratio showed transient elevations during labor and puerperium but remained within the normal range for uncomplicated cases.
• In complicated pregnancies, the Factor VIIIR:Ag/Factor VIII:C ratio was markedly elevated compared to normal.

Conclusions:

• The Factor VIIIR:Ag/Factor VIII:C ratio has limited value in assessing normal pregnancies.
• Determination of the Factor VIIIR:Ag/Factor VIII:C ratio may be a useful indicator in cases of obstetrical complications.
• Further research is ongoing to elucidate the reasons for the observed limited rise in Factor VIII levels in this cohort.