JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

Abstract

Background: Preeclampsia is one of the commonest complications of pregnancy. It is associated with a state of hypercoagulability. The present study aimed to estimate the plasma fibrinogen and plasma FDP levels in preeclampsia compared to normal pregnancies. Materials and Methods: This is a case-control hospital based study carried in the Department of Biochemistry M.G.M. Medical College and associated M.Y. Hospital, Indore (M.P., India). Normal pregnant women (n=36) and women with preeclampsia (n=64) in their third trimester were included in the study. Preeclamptic group was classified in to mild (n=42) and severe (n=22) preeclampsia. Plasma fibrinogen and FDP levels were analysed, and compared between the groups. Results: Preeclampsia and normal pregnancy groups were comparable for age and body mass index but preeclampsia group had higher blood pressures and less period of gestation (p<0.0001). The levels of plasma fibrinogen (654.5±131.74 vs. 491.52±81.7 mg/dL) and plasma FDP (10.96±2.32 vs. 5.54±0.8 µg/L) were higher in the preeclampsia group as compared to normal pregnancy (p<0.0001). Elevations in fibrinogen and FDP levels were more marked for severe preeclampsia group than mild preeclampsia group. Conclusion: Preeclampsia is associated with high fibrinogen and FDP levels as compared to normal pregnancies. Severe preeclampsia patients have greater elevations as compared to mild preeclampsia patients.

Key words: Fibrin degradation products, Fibrinogen, pre-eclampsia.