International Blood Research & Reviews

Aim: The study was undertaken to assess the fibrinolytic activity during pregnancy and to determine the effects of maternal age, gestation period and parity on fibrinolytic parameters in Northern Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: 150 pregnant and 100 non-pregnant women, aged 17-40 years, were recruited for the research in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano between August 2010 and October 2011. Blood samples collected were analysed for the plasma levels of fibrinogen, d-dimer and Fibrin Degradation Products (FDP) using standard laboratory methods.

Results: Pregnant women had significantly higher values of fibrinogen concentration, d-dimer  and FDP of 3.46±0.35 g/L, 0.78±0.82 µg/mL and 10.17±15.08 µg/mL respectively compared to 3.12±0.3g/L, 0.45±0.78 µg/mL and 2.8±7.63 µg/mL, in non-pregnant women  (P<0.05). D-dimer values for the first, second and third trimesters showed statistically significant differences (P<0.05) while fibrinogen levels showed no significant effects within the gestation period (P>0.05). Maternal age and parity had no significant influences on fibrinogen concentration, d-dimer and FDP levels (P>0.05).

Conclusion: Changes in fibrinolytic parameters in this study are associated with increased levels of fibrinogen, d-dimer and FDP during pregnancy, irrespective of maternal age and parity, and these changes can be linked to increased fibrinolytic activity during pregnancy. It is recommended that plasma fibrinogen, d-dimer and FDP levels be determined during pregnancy to prevent the risk of thrombosis that the pregnant women are prone to.