Maternal plasma D-dimer levels in normal and complicated pregnancies

Thomas E. Nolan, Roger P. Smith, Lawrence D. Devoe

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

68 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate D-dimer as a marker for fibrinolysis in normal and complicated pregnancies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Methods: Four groups of pregnant women were enrolled: 17 normal women followed longitudinally from 28–40 weeks’ gestation, 14 patients with preterm labor at 28–34 weeks, 17 patients with preeclampsia at term (37–40 weeks), and 14 patients with abruptio placentae (32–40 weeks). We assayed peripheral venous blood samples from each patient for D-dimer levels using a commercial ELISA kit. D-dimer values were calculated by regression analysis using internal standards and controls for each assay. Data were compared using Student t test or analysis of variance with repeated measures. Results: D-dimer values increased slightly with increasing gestational age. Patients with preterm labor, preeclampsia, and abruptio placentae had mean D-dimer values significantly greater than those of controls (P <.003). D-dimer values of the abruption group were approximately twice those of the control group (3393 ± 2086 versus 1750 ± 839 ng/dL). Conclusion: An increase in fibrinolysis may be associated with the pregnancy complications studied, as reflected by alterations in maternal plasma D-dimer levels.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)235-238
Number of pages4
JournalObstetrics and gynecology
Volume81
Issue number2
StatePublished - Feb 1993

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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