OBJECTIVE(S)
To determine if endothelial microparticles (EMPs), markers of endothelial damage, are associated with soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1), soluble endoglin (sEnd), and placental growth factor (PlGF) in women with preeclampsia. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective cohort study was conducted on 20 preeclamptic women and 20 controls. EMP’s measured by flow cytometry, sFlt1, sEnd, and PlGF were measured at time of enrollment, 48 hours, and 1 week postpartum.
RESULTS
Preeclamptic CD31+/42−, CD 62E+, and CD105+ EMP levels were significantly elevated in preeclamptics vs. controls at time of enrollment. The sFlt1:PlGF ratio was correlated with CD31+/42− and CD 105+ EMPs (r=0.69 and r=0.51, respectively) in preeclampsia. Levels of CD31+/42− EMPs remained elevated 1-week postpartum (p=0.026).
CONCLUSIONS
EMPs are elevated in preeclampsia. The correlation of EMPs and the sFlt1:PlGF ratio suggests that anti-angiogenesis is related to apoptosis of the endothelia. Endothelial damage persists one week after delivery.