D-dimer after delivery in uncomplicated pregnancies.
D-dimer is now widely used as a coagulation marker. During pregnancy the D-dimer level increases until term even in uncomplicated pregnancies. The aim of the study was to establish the D-dimer immediately after delivery in uncomplicated pregnancies. A rapid immunoturbidimetric assay for D-dimer determination was employed in 100 consecutive deliveries. D-dimer level increased significantly in all women after delivery (increase from 1 to more than 10 times over the normal range).


CONCLUSIONS
An increase in fibrinolysis is associated with pregnancy and delivery, and D-dimer level must be interpreted only in association with other clinical, laboratory and instrumental methods when pathological conditions (e.g. pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis or disseminated coagulation) are suspected.
Ghirardini
G
G
Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, City Hospital, Guastalla, Italy.
Battioni
M
M
Bertellini
C
C
Colombini
R
R
Colla
R
R
Rossi
G
G
D002585:Cesarean Section; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D005260:Female; D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D049590:Postpartum Period / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012016:Reference Values
D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products