Thromb Haemost 1982; 47(01): 054-055
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1657124
Original Article
Schattauer GmbH Stuttgart

Plasma Fibrinopeptide A and Beta-Thromboglobulin in Pre-Eclampsia and Pregnancy Hypertension

J T Douglas
The University Department of Medicine, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, U.K.
,
M Shah
*   The University Department of Obstetrics, Royal Maternity Hospital, Glasgow, U.K.
,
G D O Lowe
The University Department of Medicine, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, U.K.
,
J J F Belch
The University Department of Medicine, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, U.K.
,
C D Forbes
The University Department of Medicine, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, U.K.
,
C R M Prentice
The University Department of Medicine, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, U.K.
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 24 November 1981

Accepted 28 December 1981

Publication Date:
13 July 2018 (online)

Preview

Summary

Increased plasma levels of β-thromboglobulin (βTG) and fibrinopeptide A (FPA), markers of platelet release and thrombin generation respectively, were measured in normal women, women taking oral contraceptives, normal pregnancy and pregnant women with hypertension or pre-eclampsia. No significant increases in βTG or FPA were found in women taking oral contraceptives. Significantly increased concentrations of βTG, but not FPA, were found in normal pregnant women in the second and third trimester of pregnancy when compared with nonpregnant age-matched controls. In eleven women with pregnancy hypertension and thirteen women with pre-eclampsia significantly elevated levels of both βTG and FPA were found when compared with age, parity and gestation-matched pregnant controls. Although the mean value for both βTG and FPA in the group with pre-eclampsia was higher than the group with pregnancy hypertension, the difference was not statistically significant. These findings provide additional evidence that pre-eclampsia and pregnancy hypertension are associated with activation of the coagulation system and the platelet release reaction.