MARKERS OF INTRAVASCULAR COAGULATION AND FIBRINOLYSIS IN PREECLAMPSIA- ASSOCIATION WITH INTRAUTERINE GROWTH-RETARDATION

Background. Alterations in blood coagulation and fibrinolysis are beli eved to play an important role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Hy percoagulability may be associated with features seen in preeclampsia, such as fibrin deposition in various organs, consumptive thrombocytop enia, and placental hypoperfusion, insufficiency and infarction. Metho ds. In this cohort study, we compared the plasma levels of markers of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis in preeclamptic women to normotensi ve, pregnant controls. We also studied the association between these m arkers and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). Results. In both mi ld and severe preeclampsia, the mean plasma concentrations of thrombin -antithrombin III complex (TAT) and plasminogen activator inhibitor ty pe 1 (PAI-1) activity were significantly increased, while fibrinogen, antithrombin III (ATIII) and plasminogen activator inhibitor type-2 (P AI-2) antigen levels were significantly reduced compared to controls. Plasma D-dimer concentration was significantly higher in severe, but n ot in mild preeclampsia compared to the controls. The plasma level of fibrin monomer was similar in patients and controls. Patients with pre eclampsia delivering growth retarded infants had significantly lower P AI-1 activity and PAI-2 antigen concentrations in plasma than the rema ining preeclamptic women. Conclusions. We found evidence of increased intravascular coagulation and fibrin turnover in preeclampsia. Low PAI -2 antigen plasma levels were associated with severe preeclampsia and IUGR.