Activated protein C resistance in Turkish women with severe preeclampsia

The purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrence rate of APC res istance (APC-R) with severe preeclampsia in Turkish women. Thirty-two conse cutive women having severe preeclampsia were included in the study. Thirty- two healthy pregnant women served as the control group. APC-R assays were p erformed in the third trimester of pregnancy, and 3 and 9 months after deli very. APC-R was demonstrated in the third trimester, 3 months and 9 months after delivery in 27 (84.4%), 23 (71.9%) and 5 (15.6%) of 32 preeclamptic p atients, respectively. APC-R rates were significantly higher in preeclampti c group than in normal pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy ( p < 0.05). Decreased mean APC activity and also increased APC-R rate was st ill persisting in preeclamptic group for 3 months after delivery. Nine mont hs after delivery, the mean APC activity and also APC-R rates approached to the normal pregnant women; however, there was a significant difference bet ween both groups (p < 0.05). Our results indicate that acquired APC-R may b e a contributory factor in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Copyright (C) 2001 S, Karger AG, Basel.