Fetal inherited thrombophilias influence the severity of preeclampsia, IUGR and placental abruption

Objective: To determine whether common inherited thrombophilias in the fetus influence the severity of severe preeclampsia, IUGR and placental abruption. Design: A case-control study among patients with complicated pregnancies. Cases were defined as fetuses with thrombophilia. Setting: A university hospital with 3700 deliveries per year. Population: Seventy cases with severe preeclampsia, IUGR or placental abruption. Methods: Mothers and neonates were tested for mutation of factor V Leiden, prothrombin gene and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. Main outcome measures: Gestational age at delivery, birth weight and early neonatal complications. Results: Gestational age at delivery and birth weight were significantly lower in fetuses with factor V Leiden or prothrombin gene mutation compared to control fetuses. Conclusions: Fetal factor V Leiden mutation and prothrombin gene mutation may influence the course of severe preeclampsia, IUGR and placental abruption. These thrombophilic changes may cause an earlier appearance or lead to a late pregnancy complication of a greater severity.