Neonatal and maternal fibrinolysis: Activation at time of birth

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Abstract
Utilizing chromogenic synthetic substrate‐based methods, determination of the plasma concentration of plasminogen, α‐antiplasmin, α‐macroglobulin, and Bβ15‐42‐related peptides were made at the time of birth in both newborns and mothers. Plasminogen levels were increased in the maternal group (150 ± 26%), and markedly decreased in the newborn group (67 ± 14%). The major inhibitors of fibrinolysis, α2‐antiplasmin and α2‐macroglobulin, were within normal range in both groups. Determination of Bβ15‐42‐related peptide showed markedly increased levels in the maternal group above control values (115 ± 102, normal 29 ± 12); the newborn group showed values only mildly elevated above control values (39 ± 21). The results demonstrate increased fibrinolytic activity in both groups, though the degree of activation is significantly higher in the maternal group, as reflected by the higher levels of Bβ15‐42‐related peptides. Fibrinopeptide A levels confirm an activation of coagulation in both maternal and newborn groups (22 ± 4 ng/ml and 138 ± 22 ng/ml, respectively) with a significantly increased level in newborns (2‐5 ng/ml normal).