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Semin Thromb Hemost 2011; 37(2): 131-136
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1270339
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Platelet Function in Pre-Eclampsia

Rashid S. Kazmi1 , Alan J. Cooper2 , Bashir A. Lwaleed3
  • 1Department of Haematology, Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust, Southampton
  • 2Department of Biomedical Sciences, Portsmouth University, Portsmouth, at the United Kingdom
  • 3Department of Urology, Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust and School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
02 March 2011 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Pronounced hemostatic changes occur during pregnancy, and the balance shifts markedly in favor of hypercoagulability. Although primarily a result of a marked rise in the levels of several procoagulants and a fall in some natural anticoagulants, platelet activation also contributes to this prothrombotic tendency. Several studies have confirmed the accentuation of platelet activation in pre-eclampsia (P-EC), which remains an important obstetric complication affecting ~2 to 4% of pregnancies. Although there is still a long way to go, significant inroads have been made in the understanding of this enigmatic condition. Whereas the pathogenesis of P-EC is protean and involves a complex interplay of placental and maternal tissues, platelet activation is likely to contribute to several clinical features. Several techniques have been used to assess platelet activation in P-EC. Detection of aberrations of platelet function and activation appear to have predictive value for its diagnosis. The findings also lend support to the use of antiplatelet agents as prophylaxis in those women with a high risk of developing the condition.

KEYWORDS

Pre-eclampsia - platelet activation

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Rashid S KazmiM.R.C.P. F.R.C.Path. 

Department of Haematology, Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust

Southampton, UK

Email: syed.kazmi@suht.swest.nhs.uk