Activated Protein C Sensitivity, Protein C, Protein S and Coagulation in Normal Pregnancy

P. Clark; J. Brennand; J. A. Conkie; F. McCall; I. A. Greer; Isobel D. Walker

doi:10.1055/s-0037-1615035

Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Table of Contents

Thromb Haemost 1998; 79(06): 1166-1170
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1615035

Rapid Communication

Schattauer GmbH

Activated Protein C Sensitivity, Protein C, Protein S and Coagulation in Normal Pregnancy

P. Clark

¹From the Department of Haematology, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK

,

J. Brennand

²University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK

,

J. A. Conkie

¹From the Department of Haematology, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK

,

F. McCall

¹From the Department of Haematology, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK

,

I. A. Greer

²University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK

,

Isobel D. Walker

¹From the Department of Haematology, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Summary

A prospective study of activated protein C sensitivity, protein C, protein S, and other coagulation factors in 239 women during normal pregnancy was carried out. Protein C activity appeared unaffected by gestation, although an elevation of protein C activity was observed in the early puerperium. A fall in total and free protein S with increasing gestation was observed. Activated protein C sensitivity ratio (APC:SR) showed a progressive fall through pregnancy. This fall correlated with changes in factor VIIIc, factor Vc and protein S. 38% of subjects, with no evidence of Factor V Leiden or anticardiolipin antibodies, showed a low APC:SR (APC:SR <2.6) in the third trimester of pregnancy. Aside from a significant reduction in birth weight, no difference in pregnancy outcome was observed between these subjects and those with a normal APC:SR. Activated protein C sensitivity ratio, modified by pre-dilution of patient samples with factor V depleted plasma, showed no consistent trend with gestation.

Full Text

References

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