Coagulation status and complications of pregnancy

Abstract

Introduction: There is much interest in the relationship between coagulation status and complications of pregnancy. The thrombelastograph (TEG) has been proposed as a useful, inexpensive tool to screen for patients with hypercoagulable states.

Materials and methods: We investigated 588 unselected pregnant women at booking, obtaining blood samples for TEG and thrombophilia investigation. Pregnancy outcome data was recorded.

Results: We found significant correlations between TEG parameters and the Prothrombin time (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin time (APTT) (p<0.01) and with plasma Antithrombin level (p<0.01). There was no correlation between TEG and other thrombophilic defects (protein C, protein S, Factor V Leiden mutation, Prothrombin G20210A mutation, MTHFR C677T mutation and Lupus Anticoagulant). There was a significant association of TEG parameters with mid-trimester loss (MTL) but not with other adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Conclusions: The correlation between TEG and PT, APTT and antithrombin level supports its value in providing a global measure of haemostasis. Coagulation status at booking is associated with increased risk of MTL but not with complications occurring later in pregnancy.