The influence of smoking on the haemostatic mechanism in pregnancy
Condie, R.G.; Pirani, B.B.
Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica 56(1): 5-8
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-6349 PMID: 65896 Document Number: 120373
A prospective study through pregnancy is described comparing smokers with non-smokers in an attempt to assess possible changes in the hemostatic mechanism. Various components of the coagulation and fibrinolytic enzyme systems were assayed serially up to 38 wk of gestation. Plasma fibrinogen was lower in the smokers than in the non-smokers. Also plasminogen was slightly decreased and plasminogen activator activity and serum F.D.P. increased in the former group. Although the results failed to demonstrate major disseminated intravascular coagulation in smokers, the pattern of a possible low grade syndrome emerged.