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Maternal plasma D-dimer levels in normal and complicated pregnancies
T E Nolan1, R P Smith, L D Devoe
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|February 1, 1993
Summary
Maternal plasma D-dimer levels, a marker for fibrinolysis, are elevated in complicated pregnancies like preeclampsia and abruptio placentae, indicating increased fibrinolytic activity during these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Hematology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Fibrinolysis plays a crucial role in pregnancy physiology.
- Assessing fibrinolytic activity is important for understanding pregnancy complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate D-dimer as a marker for fibrinolysis in normal and complicated pregnancies.
- To assess maternal plasma D-dimer levels using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 17 normal pregnant women (28-40 weeks).
- Analysis of 14 preterm labor, 17 preeclampsia, and 14 abruptio placentae patient groups.
- D-dimer levels measured via ELISA; data analyzed using regression and t-tests/ANOVA.
Main Results:
- D-dimer levels showed a slight increase with gestational age in normal pregnancies.
- Significantly elevated mean D-dimer levels were observed in preterm labor, preeclampsia, and abruptio placentae groups (P < .003).
- Abruptio placentae group exhibited approximately double the D-dimer levels compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Elevated maternal plasma D-dimer levels suggest increased fibrinolysis in complicated pregnancies.
- D-dimer may serve as a valuable indicator for fibrinolytic alterations in conditions such as preeclampsia and abruptio placentae.