Abstract
Factor VIII is a co-factor of factor IX in activation of factor X in blood coagulation cascade. Elevated plasma levels of factor VIII are associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism.1.Kyrle P.A. et al.N Engl J Med. 2000; 17: 457-462Crossref Scopus (662) Google Scholar Other thrombophilias have been shown to be associated with severe preeclampsia (PET), intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), abruptio placentae (AP), and stillbirth. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of elevated factor VIII levels in women with severe pregnancy complications. The study group included 79 women who had severe PET (n = 22), stillbirth (n = 14), severe IUGR <5th percentile (n = 40), and AP (n = 3). The control group included 50 healthy women who had had at least one normal pregnancy. All women were tested 6 months after delivery for mutations of factor V Leiden, prothrombin gene, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase; for deficiencies of protein S, C, and antithrombin III; anticardiolipin antibodies; lupus anticoagulant; and factor VIII plasma level. Women with known underlying diseases or any recent infectious disease or hormonal treatment were excluded. There was no difference in the age, ethnic origin, and smoking status between the study and control groups. 22 women of the study group (27.8%) had elevated factor VIII levels compared to 3 (6.0 %) of the control group (P = 0.004, Fisher's exact test). 30 study women (37.6%) had other types of thrombophilias compared to 8 control women (16.0%) (P = 0.001). Eleven of the 22 women in the study group with elevated factor VIII levels (50 %) also had other types of thrombophilia. The prevalence of elevated plasma level of factor VIII in women who had severe pregnancy complications is significantly higher compared to healthy women who had normal pregnancies. Further studies are required to evaluate the association between this new thrombophilia and pregnancy complications.
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