6-Keto prostaglandin F1 alpha, thromboxane B2, and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto prostaglandin F concentrations of normotensive and preeclamptic patients during pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period.

Plasma 6-keto prostaglandin F1 alpha, 13,14-dihydro-15-keto prostaglandin F, and thromboxane B2 levels were measured in normotensive and preeclamptic patients during pregnancy and the postpartum period. From 30 to 40 weeks of gestation, 6-keto prostaglandin F1 alpha levels of preeclamptic patients were significantly lower than those of normotensive women; 13,14-dihydro-15-keto prostaglandin F and thromboxane B2 concentrations in preeclamptic patients did not significantly differ from those of the normotensive group. At delivery, 6-keto prostaglandin F1 alpha levels of maternal and umbilical venous plasma of preeclamptic women were also significantly lower than those of normotensive women. In the postpartum period these three prostanoids were not significantly different in normotensive women compared to preeclamptic women, with clinical preeclamptic symptoms soon disappearing in most of our patients. From the results, it seems that prostacyclin plays an important role in preeclampsia.