Development of resistance to activated protein C during pregnancy.
We measured activated protein C (APC) anticoagulant activity in 20 healthy women at 14-20, 28 and 36 weeks gestation, and at 1 d post-partum. Significant reductions in the mean APC sensitivity ratio (APC-SR) were observed at all stages of pregnancy studied compared with the mean APC-SR obtained for baseline measurements carried out at > 8 weeks post-partum. APC resistance was seen in 8/19 (42%) and in 11/20 (55%) women at 14-20 and 28 weeks gestation respectively. The development of resistance to APC may contribute to the increased risk of thrombosis during pregnancy.
Cumming
A M
AM
University Department of Haematology, Manchester Royal Infirmary.
Tait
R C
RC
Fildes
S
S
Yoong
A
A
Keeney
S
S
Hay
C R
CR
D001777:Blood Coagulation; D005165:Factor V / Q000235:genetics; D005169:Factor VIII / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017354:Point Mutation; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000378:metabolism*; D011250:Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / Q000209:etiology; D011486:Protein C / Q000378:metabolism*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology
D011486:Protein C; D005165:Factor V; D005169:Factor VIII