ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PRE-ECLAMPSIA AND HIGH D-DIMER LEVELS

Introduction: Pregnancy is characterized by a hypercoagulable state due to a number of hormonal changes and alterations of clotting and fibrinolytic factors. Objectives: The main objective of the study is to analyse the association between pre-eclampsia and high D-Dimer levels. Material and methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in Holy Family/Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi during March 2019 to December 2019. GHD included gestational hypertension, PE, and superimposed PE. Their antepartum concentrations of d-dimer were measured as a part of routine evaluation for patients suspected with PE. The concentrations of d-dimer were determined by immunologic assay. The report of each subject was assessed by the researcher herself and high levels of d-dimer (>0.5μg/ml) was noted as yes or no in both cases and controls. Results: Of the 90 pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria, 49 had severe GHD including severe PE or superimposed PE, and 41 had non-severe GHD. There were no statistical differences between the 2 groups in terms of maternal age, parity, or pre-pregnancy BMI. However, women with severe GHD has significantly earlier median gestational age at sampling, earlier median gestational age at delivery, lower median birth weight, and higher cesarean section rate compared with those with non-severe GHD. These differences may be attributed to the characteristics of severe PE. Conclusion: It is concluded that pregnant women with a tendency to develop gestational hypertensive complications tend to have higher concentrations of d-dimer