Abstract:
INTRODUCTION: Normal pregnancy is characterized by significant alterations in the
haemostatic system accompanied by an augmented risk of thrombosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The fibrin network ultrastructure of different phases of pregnancy,
namely early pregnancy (week 8 – 14), late pregnancy (week 36 – 40) as well as
post-partum (week 6 – 8 after birth) were compared to non-pregnant fibrin networks
as well as each other to establish whether differences in fibrin network morphology
exist during pregnancy. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to analyse
fibrin network morphology. RESULTS: The fibrin networks from all phases of pregnancy appeared similar to each other, exhibiting prominent coagulant
formation, an increase in the formation of minor, thin fibers, and the presence of
granular globules. Al three phases however differ from the typical fibrin network
ultrastructure exhibited by the fibrin networks from non-pregnant individuals. The
increase in estrogen associated with pregnancy may cause the increase in
coagulation factors and ultimately the pro-thrombotic state characteristic of
pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Since no differences were apparent between the
different phases of pregnancy it suggests that activation of the coagulation
system commences with pregnancy and this pro-thrombotic state continues till at
least 8 weeks after birth. These results may shed light on possible pathological
mechanisms employed in the development of abnormal or ailing pregnancy.
