Hemostatic parameters and platelet activation by flow-cytometry in normal pregnancy: a longitudinal study

Int J Clin Lab Res. 1994;24(4):217-9. doi: 10.1007/BF02592466.

Abstract

Nineteen pregnant women with uncomplicated pregnancies were studied during the first, second, and third trimesters. We measured the following hemostatic parameters: prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, antithrombin III, protein C, protein S, platelet number and volume. Platelet function was examined by a cytofluorimetric method, using an anti-GPM-140 antibody which is directed against a platelet alpha granule membrane protein. Activated platelets were expressed as a percentage of the GMP-140-positive platelets over total platelets. Fibrinogen levels showed a steady increase during pregnancy; conversely prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, protein C, and antithrombin III showed no significant modifications and remained within the reference range. There was a decrease of protein S activity throughout pregnancy, although protein S antigen did not follow this trend. The decrease occurred early in pregnancy and persisted during the second and third trimesters, reaching a stable plateau. We observed no platelet volume change or activation: the percentage of activated platelets was within the normal reference range, even in late pregnancy.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antithrombin III / metabolism
  • Blood Coagulation / physiology*
  • Female
  • Fibrinogen / chemistry
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Partial Thromboplastin Time
  • Platelet Activation / physiology*
  • Pregnancy / blood*
  • Protein C / metabolism
  • Protein S / metabolism
  • Prothrombin Time

Substances

  • Protein C
  • Protein S
  • Antithrombin III
  • Fibrinogen