Performance of a novel test to quantify activated protein C resistance in women with a history of pre-eclampsia.

OBJECTIVE

We determined the performance of a functional test for activated protein C (APC) resistance in formerly pre-eclamptic women and matched controls.

STUDY

DESIGN

In our university medical center, we assessed the response to APC in plasma in 118 formerly pre-eclamptic women and in 57 healthy controls, we measured plasma levels of thrombophilic factors and we performed statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The incidence of APC resistance was significantly higher in formerly pre-eclamptics than in controls. Formerly APC resistant pre-eclamptics more often experienced intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) than their non-APC resistant counterparts.

CONCLUSION

APC resistance determined by this functional test is present in a large subgroup of formerly pre-eclamptics. A higher incidence of IUGR in this group suggests a more severe course of the experienced pregnancy complications. Additional study is needed to determine whether this test is sensitive in predicting recurrence of pre-eclampsia or IUGR.