A study to assess the levels of free protein S in pregnant and nonpregnant women in a tertiary care center in Western Maharashtra.

BACKGROUND

Pregnancy is a hypercoagulable state increasing the risk of thrombosis and maternal mortality. Free protein S (FPS) levels are significantly reduced during pregnancy as compared to nonpregnant women. This study aims to ascertain the mean FPS levels for Indian pregnant women and study various factors like age, parity, trimester, hemoglobin (Hb) in relation to FPS.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

521 pregnant and equal number of nonpregnant women were included in the study. Blood samples were collected and evaluated for FPS and Hb levels. P < 0.05 was considered statically significant.

RESULTS

Mean FPS levels in pregnant women were significantly lower than nonpregnant women and showed a statistically significant fall in all the three trimesters. Mean Hb levels were also lower in pregnant females however correlation between FPS levels and Hb, age, and parity were not found to be significant.

CONCLUSION

This study found that the mean FPS levels in healthy pregnant females decrease with increasing gestational age. The mean FPS levels will be useful in the Indian scenario as our study found FPS levels to be much lower than other studies.