Maternal Plasma P-selectin at 11 to 13 Weeks of Gestation in Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

Objective. To determine if development of preeclampsia is preceded by altered maternal plasma P-selectin and if the levels are related with uterine artery pulsatility index. Methods. Plasma P-selectin and uterine artery pulsatility index were measured at 11–13 weeks in 121 cases that subsequently developed preeclampsia, 87 cases that developed gestational hypertension and 208 unaffected controls. Results. In the preeclampsia group the median multiple of the median in controls (MoM) P-selectin and uterine artery PI were significantly increased (1.2 MoM and 1.3 MoM). There was no significant association between P-selectin and uterine artery pulsatility index in either the preeclampsia or control group. Conclusion. In pregnancies that develop preeclampsia there is evidence of platelet activation from the first trimester. However, there is no direct link between the degree of impaired placentation and platelet activation.