title: Hemoconcentration and pre-eclampsia.
abstract: We measured erythrocyte aggregation and hematocrit in 155 uncomplicated pregnancies and in 55 pregnant women with pre-eclampsia. In the later group we found increased erythrocyte aggregation and a higher hematocrit than in normal patients of comparable gestational age. Erythrocyte aggregation correlated well with plasma fibrinogen levels (r = 0.74) but other high molecular weight proteins such as alpha-2-macroglobulin, IgM and lipoproteins were not measured. Hematocrit showed correlation with mean arterial blood pressure (r = 0.69) and peripheral vascular resistance (r = 0.73). The possible effects of changes in hematocrit and erythrocyte aggregation on blood flow through the intervillous circulation are discussed as are the clinical implications of our findings.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004903:Erythrocyte Aggregation; D005260:Female; D005340:Fibrinogen / Q000032:analysis; D006400:Hematocrit; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000097:blood; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000097:blood*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular; D013997:Time Factors; D014655:Vascular Resistance
chemical_list: D005340:Fibrinogen