HUMAN-LEUKOCYTE ANTIGENS IN PREGNANT-WOMEN WITH PREECLAMPSIA ASSOCIATED WITH INTRAUTERINE GROWTH-RETARDATION AND IN NORMAL CONTROLS

Objective: To investigate the association between maternal HLA class I I and intrauterine growth retardation with associated birthweight of t he newborn, in women with preeclampsia. Methodology: Thirty preeclampt ics and 30 normotensive matched for age, parity and gestation were inv estigated for HLA class II profile using Terasaki microlymphocytotoxic ity test as the typing technique. The outcome of the pregnancy in term s of intrauterine growth retardation, birthweight and placental weight , were investigated to elucidate a susceptibility factor in the HLA Cl ass II profile of the preeclamptic women. Results: HLA class II DR2, D R4, DRw11, DRw14 and DQw2 were more common in the preeclamptic women ( p<0.04, 0.03, 0.05, 0.03, 0.05), while DQw3 was more common in the con trols (p<0.05). Mean birthweight was 2.71+/-0.73 kg with preeclampsia compared to 3.4+/-0.4 kg for controls (p<0.01). Low birthweight was 56 .7% versus 6./% (p<0.001) and mean placental weight was 474.8+/-100.8 gm versus 692.1+/-107.3 gm (p<0.01). DR4 and DQW2 were significantly a ssociated with intrauterine growth retardation with associated low bir thweight and placental weight (p<0.01), Conclusion: HLA class II hyapl otypes DR4, and DQw2 are associated with intrauterine growth retardati on with associated low birthweight and placental weight through preecl ampsia. The association between intrauterine growth retardation and HL A may be a direct susceptibility factor. This needs further elucidatio n.