Factor VIII complex in normal pregnancy, pre-eclampsia and fetal growth retardation.

The levels of the three components of factor VIII complex (VIII R:AG, VIII R:WF, VIII:C) were measured during normal late pregnancy, in pre-eclampsia and in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth retardation. In late normal pregnancy, there was a steady increase in factor VIII complex and the highest level was reached at delivery; in primary fetal growth retardation, the values were similar. In pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia, with or without fetal growth retardation, there was a significant increase of VIII R:AG VIII R:WF; the more severe the course of the disease, the greater the increase. The level of VIII R:AG-VIII R:WF appears to be an indicator of vascular pathology and it is suggested that this assessment may be of value in monitoring high risk pregnancies.