HLA antigens in patients with severe preeclampsia

ABSTRACT

The distribution of human leucocyte antigens [HLA] was analyzed in 50 patients with severe preeclampsia and compared with that in the general population. The frequency of patients with HLA CW 1-7 was significantly higher than that of the general population of this area [P <0.05, Chi-square test]. The frequency of those with HLA-DR6 [DR6, DR13 and DR14] was significantly greater compared with the general population [P <0.05, Chi-square test], while that of those with DR1-4 was significantly lower [P <0.05, Chi-square test]. The compatibility of HLA antigens in spouses was also, analyzed in 20 patient couples and 20 normal fertile couples, and there was no significant difference. Thus, it is suggested that HLA antigen systems might be involved in the genesis of preeclampsia. Statistically significant increase in C3, C4 [P <0.05], in severe preeclampsia, a positive correlation coefficient between HLA antigen, C3, C4 and diastolic blood pressure and proteinuria was noted