Platelet reactivity and serum thromboxane B2 production in whole blood in gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the nature and extent of changes in platelet reactivity in gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia (using whole blood techniques which may be more physiological than those previously employed).


METHODS
Cross-sectional observational study.


METHODS
8 normal primigravidae, 16 women with gestational hypertension and 12 women with pre-eclampsia, studied at around 36 weeks gestation.


RESULTS
Platelet reactivity (aggregation and release reaction) induced by stimulation with adrenaline was decreased in the pre-eclamptic group. Serum thromboxane B2 production was unchanged in both hypertensive groups compared with the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
In the context of evidence of platelet activation in pre-eclampsia, our findings are interpreted as reflecting platelet exhaustion.
Louden
K A
KA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital, Nottingham.
Broughton Pipkin
F
F
Heptinstall
S
S
Fox
S C
SC
Mitchell
J R
JR
Symonds
E M
EM
D000328:Adult; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000378:metabolism; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D015539:Platelet Activation / Q000502:physiology*; D010974:Platelet Aggregation / Q000502:physiology; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D013929:Thromboxane B2 / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism
D013929:Thromboxane B2