COMPARISON OF D-DIMER LEVELS IN PREECLAMPSIA AND NORMAL PREGNANCY

Abstract

Background: Preeclampsia is associated with deposition of fibrin in microvasculature and maternal organ dysfunction. D-dimer is used as a marker of degradation and production of fibrin in the body. The objective of this study was to determine the mean plasma D-dimer levels among pregnant women and to compare mean plasma D-dimer levels between preeclamptic patients and women without preeclampsia. Methods: A cross sectional study was designed and conducted in the Obs/Gyn Department, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar. A total of 154 pregnant women fulfilling inclusion criteria were included. Non-probability consecutive sampling was used for collection of samples. Mean±SD was calculated for quantitative variables while qualitative variables were presented in the form of frequency and percentage. Independent sample t-test was used to compare mean plasma D-dimer levels between preeclampsia and normal patients. Stratification was done on the basis of age, gestational age, BMI, and booking status. Post-stratification t-test was applied and p?0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age of patients was 27.73±2.68 years (Range: 18–34 years). The mean gestational age was 37.43±1.15 weeks (Range: 35–40 weeks). Preeclamptics were 58 (37.7%) while 96 (62.3%) were normotensive. The mean plasma D-dimer levels in total cases was 0.50±0.41 ng/ml (Range: 0.115–1.156). The mean plasma D-dimer level in preeclamptics and normal cases was 1.02±0.07 and 0.18±0.04 (ng/ml) respectively (p<0.00). Conclusion: Mean plasma D-dimer level was higher in preeclamptic patients as compared to normotensive pregnant women showing a significant correlation between preeclampsia and plasma D-dimer level in third trimester of pregnancy.

Pak J Physiol 2022;18(1):20?2