Platelet function and coagulation in normal and preeclamptic pregnancy

Abstract

Platelet function and coagulation activity were followed prospectively throughout normal pregnancy and in puerperium in 17 healthy women. Plasma beta-thromboglobulin reflecting platelet activation increased progressively during pregnancy. This was not accompanied by any changes in platelet count or lifespan nor in serum or plasma thromboxane B 2 levels. The levels of both factor VIII:C and factor VIIIR:Ag increased, the former less than the latter resulting in a rise of the FVIIIR:Ag/FVIII:C ratio. Anti-thrombin III ( AT III ), howver remained unaltered. FVIIIR:Ag/FVIII:C ratio was increased both in mild (n=7) and severe (n=9) preeclampsia, whereas beta-thromboglobulin was increased and AT III was decreased only in severe preeclampsia. Platelet count and lifespan, plasma and serum thromboxane B 2 as well as FVIII:C were normal in severe preeclampsia.