Can we use as a marker the maternal serum levels of D-dimer and fibrinogen to predict intra uterin growth restriction?

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the present study was to assess the effect of D-dimer and fibrinogen levels in maternal serum as a marker for detection of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two hundred-thirty four pregnant women who get pregnancy follow-up and delivery in the tertiary hospital between January 2011 and December 2011 were admitted to the study. Pregnant women were divided into two groups; group-1: 117 pregnants complicated with IUGR and group-2: 117 healthy pregnants without IUGR as control. Serum D-dimer and fibrinogen levels of all pregnant women were measured in the third trimester. The levels of D-dimer and fibrinogen were compared between two groups.

RESULTS

There is no significant difference between the groups for age, body mass index before pregnancy, smoking and gestational weeks (p>0.05). Gravidity, parity, number of children and maternal serum fibrinogen level were detected significantly different between the groups (p<0.001). D-dimer level was not significantly different between the groups (p=0.183), but fibrinogen level in group-1 was found higher than group-2.

CONCLUSION

Serum fibrinogen level was found higher in pregnant women complicated with IUGR but D-dimer level was not different between the groups. Although serum D-dimer should not be used as a marker for detection of IUGR, serum fibrinogen may be used.