Mannan-binding lectin concentration during normal human pregnancy

Relative deficiency of mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is associated with recur rent miscarriage. To investigate whether MBL concentration alters as a resu lt of pregnancy, serial measurements were made in 14 patients before and du ring normal early pregnancy, Additionally, a longitudinal study was made of one individual over several years and including two normal pregnancies. Th ree (20%) subjects experienced a significant increase in MBL concentration during pregnancy. It was concluded that a modest but significant increase i n MBL concentration can result from pregnancy, but it is a rare occurrence in the first trimester.