Complement, fetal antigen, and shaking rigors in parturients.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the relationship, if any, between complement, fetal antigen, and shaking rigors during labor and delivery.


METHODS
We recruited 13 volunteers for serial blood sampling during labor and childbirth.


RESULTS
Complement levels had a small but significant drop (11-15%) immediately following childbirth but had no association with fetal antigen levels or shaking rigors. Fetal antigen levels failed to show any consistent relationship with shaking rigors or the labor and delivery process.


CONCLUSIONS
Shaking rigors do not appear to be associated with changes in either complement or fetal antigen levels. Complement levels remain stable during labor but drop immediately following birth.
Evanston Northwestern Healthcare, Evanston, Illinios, USA. benson.micheal@comcast.net
Michael D
MD
Benson
Hiroshi
H
Kobayashi
Lakshman R
LR
Sehgal
Hidekazu
H
Oi
Elaine I
EI
Haney
D015295:Antigens, Tumor-Associated, Carbohydrate / Q000097:blood*; D003176:Complement C3 / Q000032:analysis*; D003181:Complement C4 / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000502:physiology; D036801:Parturition / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012768:Shivering / Q000502:physiology*
D015295:Antigens, Tumor-Associated, Carbohydrate; D003176:Complement C3; D003181:Complement C4; C055491:sialosyl-Tn antigen