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Activated protein C resistance in normal pregnancy
M J Peek1, C Nelson-Piercy, R A Manning
1Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Charlotte's Hospital, UK.
British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|October 6, 1997
Summary
The activated protein C (APC) ratio in pregnancy does not significantly differ from nonpregnant levels. This finding supports using the APC ratio as a reliable screening tool for the factor V Leiden mutation during gestation.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Hematology
- Thrombosis Research
Background:
- The activated protein C (APC) ratio is a crucial indicator in hemostasis.
- Assessing the APC ratio during pregnancy is important for understanding thrombotic risk.
- The factor V Leiden mutation is a common inherited risk factor for venous thromboembolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the activated protein C (APC) ratio in normal pregnancy.
- To compare APC ratios in pregnant women with those in nonpregnant women.
- To evaluate the utility of the APC ratio as a screening test for factor V Leiden mutation during pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cross-sectional and longitudinal study design.
- Measurement of APC ratio at multiple gestational points (booking, 20, 30, 36 weeks).
- Comparison of APC ratios between pregnant and nonpregnant cohorts.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in APC ratios between pregnant women (all gestations) and nonpregnant women.
- A significant decrease in APC ratios observed throughout pregnancy.
- All measured APC ratios remained within the normal nonpregnant range.
Conclusions:
- The APC ratio is stable and comparable between pregnant and nonpregnant individuals.
- The APC ratio can be reliably used for screening the factor V Leiden mutation in pregnant women.
- This study validates the use of APC ratio testing in obstetric hematology.