Clotting inhibitors and fibronectin as potential markers in preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVES: As conventional laboratory tests fail to identify early preeclampsia, the aim of this study was to seek a marker of endothelial injury and select more sensitive tests for monitoring the activation of the coagulation cascade. METHODS: Using routine blood sampling methods, PT, PTT, AT-III, proteins C and S, platelets, fibrinogen and fibronectin were measured in 18 preeclamptic patients and 17 controls with a normal pregnancy. RESULTS: Preeclampsia was associated with higher fibronectin and lower AT-III, protein C and protein S. The platelet count, fibrinogen and PT were similar. PTT was longer in preeclampsia. CONCLUSION: As AT-III revealed compensated coagulopathy and fibronectin demonstrated preeclamptic vascular lesions before these were apparent from routine tests, measuring these elements could contribute to the earlier diagnosis and better treatment of chronically-altered coagulation in preeclampsia.