Development of resistance to activated protein C during pregnancy

Br J Haematol. 1995 Jul;90(3):725-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.1995.tb05610.x.

Abstract

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.

MeSH terms

  • Blood Coagulation
  • Factor V / genetics
  • Factor VIII / analysis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Point Mutation
  • Pregnancy / metabolism*
  • Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / etiology
  • Protein C / metabolism*
  • Risk Factors
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Thrombosis / etiology

Substances

  • Protein C
  • Factor V
  • Factor VIII