Preeclampsia is associated with a reduced response to activated protein C.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Resistance to activated protein C is an inherited mutation of the coagulation factor V gene, a major factor predisposing to thromboembolic events. The purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrence of heterozygote and homozygote activated protein C resistance in women with preeclampsia.

STUDY DESIGN:

Activated protein C resistance and protein C and antithrombin III levels were determined in women (n = 50) with a history of preeclampsia and in controls (50 women with a previous normal pregnancy). The mutation of the factor V gene was analyzed.

RESULTS:

Activated protein C resistance was found in 22% of women with previous preeclampsia compared with 10% among controls. Two women in the previous preeclampsia group had a homozygote mutation of factor V; the others were heterozygous. There was a significant difference in the activated protein C ratio between women with previous preeclampsia and the control group, 2.6 +/- 0.4 versus 3.1 +/- 0.5 (p = 0.04). None of the women had protein C or antithrombin III deficiency.

CONCLUSION:

The results indicate that activated protein C resistance may be a contributory factor in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

• Authors: C Lindoff, I Ingemarsson, G Martinsson, M Segelmark, H Thysell, B Astedt
• Journal: American journal of obstetrics and gynecology (Am J Obstet Gynecol) Vol. 176 Issue 2 Pg. 457-60 (Feb 1997) ISSN: 0002-9378 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9065198 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Protein C
• Antithrombin III
• Factor V

Topics

• Antithrombin III (analysis)
• Drug Resistance (genetics)
• Factor V (genetics)
• Female
• Heterozygote
• Homozygote
• Humans
• Mutation
• Pre-Eclampsia (blood)
• Pregnancy
• Protein C (genetics)