EVALUATION OF PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATORS AND PLASMINOGEN-ACTIVATOR INHIBITORS IN PLASMA AND AMNIOTIC-FLUID IN PREGNANCIES COMPLICATED WITH INTRAUTERINE FETAL GROWTH-RETARDATION

Several fibrinolytic parameters were determined in plasma and amniotic fluid from normotensive pregnancies complicated by intrauterine fetal growth retardation (IUGR) and severe preeclamptic (PE) patients with IUGR and compared with data from normal pregnancies. A significant dec rease in plasminogen activator type 2 (PAI-2) and urokinase levels in plasma and amniotic fluid was observed in IUGR groups in comparison wi th normal pregnancy. No significant differences were observed between the control and IUGR groups in relation to the other fibrinolytic para meters, except for plasma PAI type 1 and tissue-type plasminogen activ ator levels, which were significantly increased in the PE group. A Sig nificant positive correlation was observed between birth weight and PA I-2 levels in both plasma and amniotic fluid, but the plasma PAI-2 lev els showed a higher correlation. In conclusion, these results suggest that the PAI-2 level measured in plasma is a more adequate marker of p lacental function than the PAI-2 level measured in amniotic fluid.