Related Experiment Videos
Amniotic fluid platelet factor 4 and beta-thromboglobulin as markers of structural abnormalities
A A Saleh1, T Ozawa, N B Isada
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hutzel Hospital, Wayne State University, Detroit, Mich.
Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy
|May 1, 1993
Summary
Platelet factor 4 (PF4) and beta-thromboglobulin (BTG) are elevated in amniotic fluid of abnormal pregnancies with high alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). These markers suggest increased fetal platelet activation or passage across membranes.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Reproductive Biology
- Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Platelet factor 4 (PF4) and beta-thromboglobulin (BTG) are specific indicators of irreversible platelet activation.
- Elevated amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) can signify fetal structural anomalies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the levels of PF4 and BTG in amniotic fluid.
- To determine the correlation between PF4, BTG, and elevated amniotic fluid AFP levels in pregnancies.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of PF4 and BTG concentrations in amniotic fluid samples from 102 genetic amniocenteses.
- Comparison of marker levels between pregnancies with normal and elevated amniotic fluid AFP.
Main Results:
- PF4 and BTG levels were significantly higher in pregnancies with abnormal outcomes and elevated amniotic fluid AFP (p < 0.002).
- PF4 and BTG levels showed a significant positive correlation with AFP multiples of the median (p < 0.05 and p < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
- Elevated PF4 and BTG in amniotic fluid are associated with abnormal pregnancies and high AFP levels.
- Findings suggest potential fetal platelet activation or transplacental passage of these markers in fetuses with structural anomalies.