Studies of Some Haemostatic Variables in Preeclamptic Women in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

Preeclampsia is a serious and life-threatening pregnancy complication. In this study, the levels of haemostatic parameters were measured in preeclamptic women in Owerri, Imo State. A total of 120 pregnant women aged 18-45 years at 20-40 weeks of pregnancy were recruited; 60 were preeclamptic women (test group) while 60 were normotensive pregnant women (control group). Preeclampsia was determined by the presence of >= 2+ protein in the urine using combi 2 dipstick for urinalysis and sphygmomanometer blood pressure reading of >= 140/90 mmHg. From the demographic data obtained in the studied subject through questionnaire, it showed that nulliparity and family history of high blood pressure were the most dominant risk factor of preeclampsia. The mean haemostatic parameters (PT, APTT, Fibrinogen, D-dimer and t-PA) of the test group were 12.3 +/- 0.94sec, 32.17 +/- 3.38sec, 627.31 +/- 106.93mg/Id, 2.23 +/- 0.50mg/l, 2.65 +/- 0.57ng/ml respectively, while the control group were 11.76 +/- 0.97sec, 28.69 +/- 2.64sec, 554 +/- 124.81 mg/dl, 1.89 +/- 0.44mg/l and 2.37 +/- 0.66 ng/ml respectively. There was a significant difference between the haemostatic parameter of the test group when compared with the control group. The results indicated that although anaemia and activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis occur within the peripheral circulation of both preeclamptic and normotensive pregnancy, an abnormal pattern of haemostasis occurs more in preeclamptic women.