Preeclampsia is associated to a generalized vasoconstriction, clot abnormalities and fibrin deposition within placenta microcirculation. The presence of fibrin hampers the placenta perfusion contributing to prematurity, fetal low weight and neonates' mortality. D-Dimers (D-Di) are the products of degradation of cross-linked fibrin by plasmin. Increased plasma levels of D-Di may indicate either an exacerbated fibrin formation or an increase in plasmin activity. The present work aimed to assess and compare the plasma levels of D-Di (Elisa, Stago) in normal women (controls, n = 26), preeclamptic women with mild and moderate symptoms (n = 23) and preeclamptic women with severe symptoms (n = 20), in order to investigate the possible usefulness of this laboratory marker for diagnosis and/or prognosis of this disease. The averages and standard deviations observed for the three groups were 1,146.6 ± 311.2; 1,060.3 ± 259.2 and 1,497.8 ± 435.3ng/ml, respectively. A significant difference for D-Di levels was observed between pregnant women with severe and mild/moderate symptoms (p < 0.001) and between the former group and controls (p < 0.01). The results suggest an exacerbated clotting in pregnant women with severe symptoms and a suitable activity of fibrinolytic system, contributing to removing the excessive amount of fibrin. D-Di may be considered a potential tool for assessing the disease severity.
Preeclampsia; D-dimer
