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Abstract PRE-ECLAMPSIA a pregnancy-specific syndrome characterized by new onset hypertension and proteinuria, is a considerable obstetric problem and a significant source of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. It has recently been recognized that women who endure pre-eclampsia are at a greater risk for cardiovascular disease than non-pre-eclamptic women. Despite thorough characterization of the pre-eclamptic syndrome and many contributing circulating factors, the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of this troubling condition remain unclear. The new concept of endothelial-platelet dysfunction shows the central role of endothelial cell and platelet: endothelial dysfunction, increased vascular reactivity and platelet activation. Pre-eclampsia affects 2–8% of pregnancies worldwide. Risk factors for pre-eclampsia include: obesity, prior hypertension, older age, and diabetes mellitus. It is also more frequent in a woman’s first pregnancy and if she is carrying twins. The underlying mechanism involves abnormal formation of blood vessels in the placenta amongst other factors. Most cases are diagnosed before delivery. Rarely, pre-eclampsia may begin after delivery. The present study was designed to evaluate the value of serum fibronectin and von willebrand factor as indicators of endothelial and platelet dysfunction in pre-eclampsia and its outcome. This study was done on 50 pregnant women divided into two groups: 1-First group: included 25 women that have been diagnosed complaining of pre-eclampsia (study group). 2-Second group: included 25 healthy pregnant women (control group). The results of our study showed that the level of both FN and VWF were significantly higher while PLT count was significantly lower in cases group compared to control group. Also the level of FN was significantly higher in cases of severe pre-eclampsia compared to cases of mild pre-eclampsia. To summarize endothelial-platelet dysfunction may explain the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia .FN, VWF level and PLT count may be used as marker of endothelial and platelet dysfunction in pre-eclampia and may play a role in confirming the diagnosis .FN level may be also used to differentiate between mild and severe pre-eclampsia. |