Summary
Variations in the APC ratio during the menstrual cycle were assessed in 25 women without
the Leiden mutation, and 10 women who were carrier of the mutation. Blood samples
were collected at four occasions during one menstrual cycle. APC ratios were measured
with two APTT based plasma methods with and without factor V depleted plasma.
None of the methods were able to accurately discriminate between mutated and non mutated
women in all samples. Although a normalized method with factor V depleted plasma was
favorable.
The levels of estradiol and progesterone did not differ between mutated and non mutated
women.
Our findings suggest that the level of estradiol at estimated time of ovulation is
of importance for the response to APC during luteal phase, since the women exhibiting
the highest levels of estradiol at time for ovulation had the lowest response to APC.
Keywords
Menstrual cycle - APC ratio