HLA ANTIGENS IN PATIENTS WITH SEVERE PREECLAMPSIA

The distribution of human leucocyte antigens (HLA) was analyzed in 35 patients with severe preeclampsia and compared with that in the genera l population in the Niigata district of Japan. The frequency of patien ts with HLA CW7 was significantly higher than that of the general popu lation of this area (p < 0.05, Chi-square test). The frequency of thos e with HLA-DR6 (DR6, DR13 and DR14) was also significantly greater com pared with the general population (P < 0.05, Chi-square test), while t hat of those with DR4 was significantly lower (P < 0.05, Chi-square te st). The compatibility of HLA antigens in spouses was also analyzed in 20 patient couples and 26 normal fertile couples, and there was no si gnificant difference. Thus it is suggested that HLA antigen systems mi ght be involved in the genesis of preeclampsia.