Acquired Activated Protein C Resistance, Thrombophilia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: A Study Performed in an Irish Cohort of Pregnant Women

The combination of thrombophilia and pregnancy increases the risk of thrombosis and the potential for adverse outcomes during pregnancy. The most significant common inherited risk factor for thrombophilia is activated protein C resistance (APCR), a poor anticoagulant response of APC in haemostasis, which is mainly caused by an inherited single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), factor V G1691A (FV Leiden) (FVL), referred as inherited APCR. Changes in the levels of coagulation factors: FV, FVIII, and FIX, and anticoagulant factors: protein S (PS) and protein C (PC) can alter APC function causing acquired APCR. Prothrombin G20210A and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T are prothrombotic SNPs which in association with APCR can also increase the risk of thrombosis amongst Caucasians. In this study, a correlation between an acquired APCR phenotype and increased levels of factors V, VIII, and IX was demonstrated. Thrombophilic mutations amongst our acquired APCR pregnant women cohort are relatively common but do not appear to exert a severe undue adverse effect on pregnancy.


Introduction
Pregnancy increases the risk of thrombosis.APCR phenotype has been associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE), the primary cause of maternal death in developed countries [1][2][3].

In normal co
In normal conditions, APC inactivates the coagulant protein active FV(a) by cleaving in an ordered sequence specific sites of FV(a).The first cleavage site is Arginine (Arg) 506, and the second is (Arg) 306 followed by (Arg) 679 [4].Mutations in the FV gene have been related to APCR.FVL is reported in about 90% of patients with APCR in the general population [5][6][7].Other SNPs in the factor V gene which may contribute to inherited APCR either independently or found in association with the FVL mutation include Cambridge Arg 306 , Hong Kong, Arg 306 , the Arg 679 , and the haplotype (H) R2 and R3 polymorphisms.However, reports on the contribution of these mutations to the APCR phenotype are conflicting [7][8][9][10].
ditions, APC inactivates the coagulant protein active FV(a) by cleaving in an ordered sequence specific sites of FV(a).The first cleavage site is Arginine (Arg) 506, and the second is Arg) 306 followed by (Arg) 679 [4].Mutations in the FV gene have been related to APCR.FVL is reported in about 90% of patients with APCR in the general population [5][6][7].Other SNPs in the factor V gene which may contribute to inherited APCR either independently or found in association with the FVL mutation include Cambridge Arg 306 , Hong Kong, Arg 306 , the Arg 679 , and the haplotype (H) R2 and R3 polymorphisms.However, reports on the contribution of these mutations to the APCR phenotype are conflicting [7][8][9][10].

The pathophysiology underlying APCR not caused by the FVL mutation is still not completely understood.In different studies, it has been suggested that acquired factors might be the cause of APCR in the The pathophysiology underlying APCR not caused by the FVL mutation is still not completely understood.In different studies, it has been suggested that acquired factors might be the cause of APCR in the absence of FV Leiden [11,12].A number of coagulation factors can affect the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT).Previous literature suggested a possible positive correlation between levels of factors V, VIII and IX and acquired APCR [13].Protein S and protein C, levels can (or may) affect acquired APCR, but their influence on the resistance seems to be still within the range of normal levels [14].
bsence of FV Leiden [11,12].A number of coagulation factors can affect the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT).Previous literature suggested a possible positive correlation between levels of factors V, VIII and IX and acquired APCR [13].Protein S and protein C, levels can (or may) affect acquired APCR, but their influence on the resistance seems to be still within the range of normal levels [14].

Other known SNPs associated with thrombophilia and adverse outcomes during pregnancy are prothrombin G20210A and MTHFR C677T [15][16][17].

Prothrombin G20210A is associated with an increase in the level of Other known SNPs associated with thrombophilia and adverse outcomes during pregnancy are prothrombin G20210A and MTHFR C677T [15][16][17].
Prothrombin G20210A is associated with an increase in the level of prothrombin protein (FII) in plasma and a resulting 3-fold increase in thrombotic events.The prothrombin G20210A mutation seems to increase the risk of thrombosis in pregnant women by approximately tenfold [18] with the risk of developing obstetric complications increased by fourfold [16].

in plasma
and a resulting 3-fold increase in thrombotic events.The prothrombin G20210A mutation seems to increase the risk of thrombosis in pregnant women by approximately tenfold [18] with the risk of developing obstetric complications increased by fourfold [16].

The MTHFR C677T has been associated with obstetric complications and with birth defects [19,20].

In a previous study in t The MTHFR C677T has been associated with obstetric complications and with birth defects [19,20].
In a previous study in this laboratory, we identified known and novel SNPs in a small number of subjects with APCR determined using the modified Coatest test which did not have the FVL mutation [21].
is laboratory, we identified known and novel SNPs in a small number of subjects with APCR determined using the modified Coatest test which did not have the FVL mutation [21].

The main objectives of this study were to (1) determine and compare the levels of factors V, VIII, and IX in the acquired APCR, inherited APCR, and APCR-negative groups, (2) compare the frequency of adverse outcomes in the APCR-positive (acquired and inherited) and APCRnegative groups, and (3) determine the frequency of adverse pregnancy outcomes, associated with thrombophilic mutations other than FVL mutation in our study cohort (n = 907).The adverse pregnancy outcomes observed in this study included (previous) recurrent early pregnancy loss (REPL), preeclampsia (PET), and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH), (IUFD) intrauterine fetal dead, and low birth weight (LBW).


Materials and Methods


Subjects.

Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee, and written consent for samples to be colle The main objectives of this study were to (1) determine and compare the levels of factors V, VIII, and IX in the acquired APCR, inherited APCR, and APCR-negative groups, (2) compare the frequency of adverse outcomes in the APCR-positive (acquired and inherited) and APCRnegative groups, and (3) determine the frequency of adverse pregnancy outcomes, associated with thrombophilic mutations other than FVL mutation in our study cohort (n = 907).The adverse pregnancy outcomes observed in this study included (previous) recurrent early pregnancy loss (REPL), preeclampsia (PET), and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH), (IUFD) intrauterine fetal dead, and low birth weight (LBW).

Subjects.
Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee, and written consent for samples to be collected was obtained from the 907 pregnant women included in this study who attended for routine outpatient gestational screening at the antenatal clinic at University College Hospital, Galway, (UCHG).Table 1 details the demographics of the study subjects.

ed was obtained from the 907 pregnant women included in
his study who attended for routine outpatient gestational screening at the antenatal clinic at University College Hospital, Galway, (UCHG).Table 1 details the demographics of the study subjects.

Blood samples (Lithium Heparin and EDTA) were collected from subjects between the 16th to 24th weeks of gestation.In this second trimester of pregnancy, little or almost no variation on the coagulation factors has been shown which is app Blood samples (Lithium Heparin and EDTA) were collected from subjects between the 16th to 24th weeks of gestation.In this second trimester of pregnancy, little or almost no variation on the coagulation factors has been shown which is appropriate for the assessment of APC status [22].Testing of APC status before or from 8 to 12 weeks after pregnancy or more frequently during pregnancy would have determined a more accurate stable APC ratio; this is a limitation of the current study.The laboratory analysis of poor anticoagulant response to APC is based on an activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) assay.A reduced ratio reflects the reduced rate of inactivation.The cutoff ratio used to determine positive APCR for this study was a value of less than or equal to 2.1 seconds (s).This value was determined by the haematology department and it is in clinical use at UCHG.The cut-off ratio used to determine APCR can vary in sensitivity and specificity depending on the methodology, equipment, and technology used in different laboratories.

priate for the assessment of APC status [22].Testing of A
C status before or from 8 to 12 weeks after pregnancy or more frequently during pregnancy would have determined a more accurate stable APC ratio; this is a limitation of the current study.The laboratory analysis of poor anticoagulant response to APC is based on an activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) assay.A reduced ratio reflects the reduced rate of inactivation.The cutoff ratio used to determine positive APCR for this study was a value of less than or equal to 2.1 seconds (s).This value was determined by the haematology department and i is in clinical use at UCHG.The cut-off ratio used to determine APCR can vary in sensitivity and specificity depending on the methodology, equipment, and technology used in different laboratories.


APC Status by Classic Coatest Test in Order to Identify

Acquired APCR Samples.Blood samples were centrifuged at 4,000 rpm for 5 min, and aliquots of platelet-poor plasma were frozen at −80 • C until the assay took place.Plasma w

APC Status by Classic Coatest Test in Order to Identify
Acquired APCR Samples.Blood samples were centrifuged at 4,000 rpm for 5 min, and aliquots of platelet-poor plasma were frozen at −80 • C until the assay took place.Plasma was incubated with an equal volume of aPTT reagent for 5 min at 37 • C. Clotting was initiated by the addition of CaCl 2 , and clotting times were expressed as a ratio of clotting time in the presence of APC divided by the clotting time in the absence of APC.

incubate
with an equal volume of aPTT reagent for 5 min at 37 • C. Clotting was initiated by the addition of CaCl 2 , and clotting times were expressed as a ratio of clotting time in the presence of APC divided by the clotting time in the absence of APC.


APC Status by Modified Coatest Test in Order to Identify

Inherited APCR Samples.Blood samples were first diluted 1 in 5 with factor V-deficient plasma that contains a heparin neutralizer, and then it was assayed as described for the APCR classic Coatest test.The addition of the factor Vdeficient plasma corrects for deficiencies of other coagulation proteins, neutralises therapeutic concentrations of heparin, and eliminates the effect of some lupus inhibitors [23].APCR in the presence of factor V-depleted plasma was assessed using the Coatest APCR-kit and factor V-depleted plasma (Chromogenix) [24].

2.4.DNA Extraction.DNA was extracted from blood samples for all APCR subjects (n=140) and control samples (negative APCR n = 31) using a modification of the CF(12)m-PCR protocol by Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Amersham, UK.Spectrophotometric analysis of absorbance at 260 nm was performed in a Heλios α spectrophotometer (Unicam Ltd., England) for each DNA sample, and the average yield for DNA was determined

APC Status by Modified Coatest Test in Order to Identify
Inherited APCR Samples.Blood samples were first diluted 1 in 5 with factor V-deficient plasma that contains a heparin neutralizer, and then it was assayed as described for the APCR classic Coatest test.The addition of the factor Vdeficient plasma corrects for deficiencies of other coagulation proteins, neutralises therapeutic concentrations of heparin, and eliminates the effect of some lupus inhibitors [23].APCR in the presence of factor V-depleted plasma was assessed using the Coatest APCR-kit and factor V-depleted plasma (Chromogenix) [24].
2.4.DNA Extraction.DNA was extracted from blood samples for all APCR subjects (n=140) and control samples (negative APCR n = 31) using a modification of the CF(12)m-PCR protocol by Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Amersham, UK.Spectrophotometric analysis of absorbance at 260 nm was performed in a Heλios α spectrophotometer (Unicam Ltd., England) for each DNA sample, and the average yield for DNA was determined to be 30 ng/μL.

Mutation Screening. PCR-restriction enzyme analysis
(PCR-REA) was applied to identify G20210A in the FII gene, C677T in the MTHFR gene, and FVL, FV Cambridge, FV Hong Kong mutations, and Haplotype (H) R2, allele in the FV gene using modifications of previously published methods [6,[25][26][27][28][29].DNA probe hybridisation analysis and/or DNA sequencing was applied for Arg 679 detection as described [21].One hundred and forty APCR-positive subjects and 31 APCR-negative subjects were tested for all mutations.Our group of control subjects tested for thrombophilic mutations, n = 31, was chosen randomly out of the 767 negative APCR subjects identified as normal with the APCR classic Coatest test.A mean of 2.59 and standard deviation of 0.2804 were identified for this negative APCR group of n = 767 subjects.Conversely, a mean of 1.745 and standard deviation of 0.1104 were identified for the positive APCR (inherited plus acquired) n = 140.The minimum value identified for negative APCR was 2.160 whereas for positive APCR was 1.490.The maximum negative APCR value identified was 3.030, whereas for positive APCR it was 2.060 seconds.Thrombophilic mutations are interfering with the coagulation equilibrium varying the aPTT time related to APC ratio range.

egative subjects were tested for all mutations.Our group of control subjects tested for thrombophilic muta
ions, n = 31, was chosen randomly out of the 767 negative APCR subjects identified as normal with the APCR classic Coatest test.A mean of 2.59 and standard deviation of 0.2804 were identified for this negative APCR group of

= 767 su
jects.Conversely, a mean of 1.745 and standard deviation of 0.1104 were identified for the positive APCR (inherited plus acquired) n = 140.The minimum value identified for negative APCR was 2.160 whereas for positive APCR was 1.490.The maximum negative APCR value identified was 3.030, whereas for positive APCR it was 2.060 seconds.Thrombophilic mutations are interfering with the coagulation equilibrium varying the aPTT time related to APC ratio range.

All mutations were screened in duplicate and positive controls consisting of DNA from heterozygous and homozygous individuals for FVL and MTHFR-C677T mutations, Results for factors V, VIII, and IX levels were expressed as percentage (%) levels, and the reference ranges used [30] are currently in clinical use at the Haematology Laboratory, UCHG.Each run was controlled by the use of a normal (MDA verify 1, Biomerieux) and abnormal control (coagulation control A, Technoclone GmbH).[25].LBW is defined as a weight of less than 2500 g (up to and including 2499 g), irrespective of gesta All mutations were screened in duplicate and positive controls consisting of DNA from heterozygous and homozygous individuals for FVL and MTHFR-C677T mutations, Results for factors V, VIII, and IX levels were expressed as percentage (%) levels, and the reference ranges used [30] are currently in clinical use at the Haematology Laboratory, UCHG.Each run was controlled by the use of a normal (MDA verify 1, Biomerieux) and abnormal control (coagulation control A, Technoclone GmbH).[25].LBW is defined as a weight of less than 2500 g (up to and including 2499 g), irrespective of gestational age.
ional age.


Statistical Analysis of Pregnancy Adverse Outcomes in the Group


Results

We identified 15.4% (n = 140) of the study cohort (n = 907) as APCR positive with acquired and/or inherited Coatest tests.Factors V, VIII, and IX levels showed a positive correlation with an acquired

Results
We identified 15.4% (n = 140) of the study cohort (n = 907) as APCR positive with acquired and/or inherited Coatest tests.Factors V, VIII, and IX levels showed a positive correlation with an acquired APCR phenotype.The levels for each factor in the APCR positive (inherited) and APCRpositive (acquired) and APCR-negative groups are shown in Table 2 and Figure 1.Levels of factors V, VIII, and IX in the acquired APCR group were significantly higher compared to the normal control group.The means were factor V 131.5 IU/dL versus 114.6 IU/dL for the control group, factor VIII 128.7 IU/dL versus 111.9 IU/dL in the control group and factor IX 114.8 IU/dL versus 106.9 IU/dL in the control group.Ninety-two subjects (66%) of the positive APCR group had common thrombophilic mutations, 32% of whom had the FVL mutation.A total of n = 116 mutations were identified in this group, 68 subjects had one mutation, 23 had two mutations, 1 subject had three mutations, and fortyeight subjects did not have any of the known mutations screened for.
PCR phenotype.The levels for each factor in the APCR positive (inherited) and APCRpositive (acquired) and APCR-negative groups are shown in Table 2 and Figure 1.Levels of factors V, VIII, and IX in the acquired APCR group were significantly higher compared to the normal control group.The means were factor V 131.5 IU/dL versus 114.6 IU/dL for the control group, factor VIII 128.7 IU/dL versus 111.9 IU/dL in the

ontrol grou
and factor IX 114.8 IU/dL versus 106.9 IU/dL in the control group.Ninety-two subjects (66%) of the positive APCR group had common thrombophilic mutations, 32% of whom had the FVL mutation.A total of n = 116 mutations were identified in this group, 68 subjects had one mutation, 23 had two mutations, 1 subject had three mutations, and fortyeight subjects did not have any of the known mutations screened for.

Within the acquired (without FVL) positive APCR (n = 105), 70 mutations were distributed among 61 subjects who had one or more of these mutations.Within the negative APCR group (n = 31), 18 subjects had one mutation.The distribution of thrombophilic mutations is summarised in Table 3.

Frequencies of adverse outcomes in positive APCR and negative APCR groups were very similar at 35.7% and 34.2%, respectively (Table 4).The comparison of adverse pregnancy outcomes and thrombophilic mutations is summarised in Table 5. PIH showed statistical Within the acquired (without FVL) positive APCR (n = 105), 70 mutations were distributed among 61 subjects who had one or more of these mutations.Within the negative APCR group (n = 31), 18 subjects had one mutation.The distribution of thrombophilic mutations is summarised in Table 3.
Frequencies of adverse outcomes in positive APCR and negative APCR groups were very similar at 35.7% and 34.2%, respectively (Table 4).The comparison of adverse pregnancy outcomes and thrombophilic mutations is summarised in Table 5. PIH showed statistical significant (P < 0.05) association with Cambridge and prothrombin G20210A.LBW showed statistical significant (P < 0.05) association with HR2 and MTHFR.
ignificant (P < 0.05) association with Cambridge and prothrombin G20210A.LBW showed statistical significant (P < 0.05) association with HR2 and MTHFR.


Discussion

The frequency of APCR has been reported as approximately 5% in the general Caucasian population [31,32].This varies from 1% to 15% in different countries with a frequency of 3% reported in Italy and Spain and a frequency of    15% reported in Northern Sweden [33].APCR in the general population and during pregnancy is reported to be most frequently caused by FVL mutation [34][35][36], inherited APCR.Several reports have shown, however, that between 5 and 10% of APCR in Caucasians does not involve the FVL, and the cause of positive APCR in these cases is not known [34,[37][38][39][40].In our study cohort (n = 907), the frequency of acquired APCR, determined by the classic Coatest test method, of 11.5%, was substantially higher than the frequency of inherited APCR identified by modified Coatest tests, 3.9%.De Visser et al. demonstrated that an altered APCR in the absence of FVL confers a 2.5-fold i

Discussion
The frequency of APCR has been reported as approximately 5% in the general Caucasian population [31,32].This varies from 1% to 15% in different countries with a frequency of 3% reported in Italy and Spain and a frequency of    15% reported in Northern Sweden [33].APCR in the general population and during pregnancy is reported to be most frequently caused by FVL mutation [34][35][36], inherited APCR.Several reports have shown, however, that between 5 and 10% of APCR in Caucasians does not involve the FVL, and the cause of positive APCR in these cases is not known [34,[37][38][39][40].In our study cohort (n = 907), the frequency of acquired APCR, determined by the classic Coatest test method, of 11.5%, was substantially higher than the frequency of inherited APCR identified by modified Coatest tests, 3.9%.De Visser et al. demonstrated that an altered APCR in the absence of FVL confers a 2.5-fold increased risk for venous thrombosis [41].
creased risk for venous thrombosis [41].
N = 140 N = 50 N = 38 N = 3 N = 12 N = 1 N = 0 N =
In this study, a significant statistical correlation of the acquired APCR phenotype with Factors V, VIII, and IX levels was demonstrated.Further study would be required to determine the interaction of coagulation factors to further characterize this acquired APCR phenotype in early pregnancy.Acquired APCR can be the result of a complex series of reactions giving a defective APC-mediated degradation of these coagulation factors.In turn, an increase of these coagulation factors in early pregnancy stages could cause an imbalance in the coagulation cascade and lead to vascular and endothelial damage during implantation and placentation.This has the potential to cause placental infarcts and high levels of fibrin deposition, which has been previously associated with APCR [42].Spontaneous abortion may take place in response to an increased coagulation imbalance, and if there are other thrombotic factors including thrombophilic mutations interacting simultaneously when the subject is beyond the 20th week of pregnancy, the damage could develop into PET or PIH.

Mutations in the FV gene excluding FVL, particularly at the other cleavage sites of FV, Arg 306 , and Arg 679 , have the potential to contribute to the APCR phenotype [6,43].Haplotype (H) R2 has also been associated with mild APCR when found in combination with the FVL [7,10,44,45].There have been a number of other mutations identified in the FV gen; however, a larger pregnant population would need to be studied to determine i In this study, a significant statistical correlation of the acquired APCR phenotype with Factors V, VIII, and IX levels was demonstrated.Further study would be required to determine the interaction of coagulation factors to further characterize this acquired APCR phenotype in early pregnancy.Acquired APCR can be the result of a complex series of reactions giving a defective APC-mediated degradation of these coagulation factors.In turn, an increase of these coagulation factors in early pregnancy stages could cause an imbalance in the coagulation cascade and lead to vascular and endothelial damage during implantation and placentation.This has the potential to cause placental infarcts and high levels of fibrin deposition, which has been previously associated with APCR [42].Spontaneous abortion may take place in response to an increased coagulation imbalance, and if there are other thrombotic factors including thrombophilic mutations interacting simultaneously when the subject is beyond the 20th week of pregnancy, the damage could develop into PET or PIH.
Mutations in the FV gene excluding FVL, particularly at the other cleavage sites of FV, Arg 306 , and Arg 679 , have the potential to contribute to the APCR phenotype [6,43].Haplotype (H) R2 has also been associated with mild APCR when found in combination with the FVL [7,10,44,45].There have been a number of other mutations identified in the FV gen; however, a larger pregnant population would need to be studied to determine if these mutations contribute significantly to APCR in the Caucasian populations [21,[46][47][48].Thrombophilia during pregnancy has been linked with mutations other than those located in the FV gene including prothrombin G20210A and MTHFR-C677T [17,49,50].In this study, we identified thrombophilic mutations in 66% of our positive APCR (acquired plus inherited) group (n = 140).One of those subjects had 2 mutations in the FV gene, FVL and FV Cambridge-G1091C, at two cleavages sites of FV for APC [21].This subject was also found in this study to be a carrier of MTHFR-C677T mutation.Previous studies established that the presence of more than one prothrombotic polymorphism is associated with a substantial risk of VTE with a high risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes [51,52].In addition, more recently MTHFR-C677T mutation has been implicated in pre-eclampsia.The high frequency of MTHFR-C677T in the negative APCR and positive APCR groups may underlie populations-specific differences [53].Discrepancies in the adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with MTHFR-C677T may be explained by the specific frequency differences among populations [54,55].
these mutations contribute significantly to APCR in the Caucasian populations [21,[46][47][48].Thrombophilia during pregnancy has been linked with mutations other than those located in the FV gene including prothrombin G20210A and MTHFR-C677T [1 ,49,50].In this study, we identified thrombophilic mutations in 66% of our positive APCR (acquired plus inherited) group (n = 140).One of those subjects had 2 mutations in the FV gene, FVL and FV Cambridge-G1091C, at two cleavages sites of FV for APC [21].This subject was also found in this study to be a carrier of MTHFR-C677T mutation.Previous studies establ shed that the presence of more than one prothrombotic polymorphism is associated with a substantial risk of VTE with a high risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes [51,52].In addition, more recently MTHFR-C677T mutation has been implicated in pre-eclampsia.The high frequency of MTHFR-C677T in the negative APCR and positive APCR groups may underlie populations-specific differences [53].Discrepancies in the adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with MTHFR-C677T may be explained by the specific frequency differences among populations [54,55].

We also identified prothrombin G20210A in 3 subjects in the acquired APCR group without the presence of We also identified prothrombin G20210A in 3 subjects in the acquired APCR group without the presence of FVL mutation, with the (H) HR2 haplotype and MTHFR-C677T identified in both positive APCR (acquired plus inherited) and negative APCR groups.
VL mutation, with the (H) HR2 haplotype and MTHFR-C677T identified in both positive APCR (acquired plus inherited) and negative APCR groups.

The negative APCR samples (n = 31) tested for thrombophilic mutations in this study to represent the normal cohort are a small sample number, and this may be a flaw in our study resulting in nonsignificant differences.Testing a larger number of negative APCR would have given more confident results.This can be something to be investigated in a future study.
The negative APCR samples (n = 31) tested for thrombophilic mutations in this study to represent the normal cohort are a small sample number, and this may be a flaw in our study resulting in nonsignificant differences.Testing a larger number of negative APCR would have given more confident results.This can be something to be investigated in a future study.

While some
While some previous studies have shown an association of positive APCR with PET, IUGR, and IUFD [55] in this study there was no significant difference in the frequency of adverse outcomes between positive APCR and negative APCR groups.This seems to be consistent with other previous studies [56].Nonetheless, the overall frequency adverse pregnancy outcomes in the positive APCR makes this study group "a high-risk group."Environmental factors such as smoking and body mass index (BMI) that could have influenced the rate of acquired APCR and the frequency of adverse outcomes identified, were not included.This is a limitation of the study.

CR groups.
In our total study group, thrombophilic mutations including FVL Cambridge and Prothrombin G20210A seem to be related to PIH, whereas MTHFR-C677T and HR2 haplotype appeared to be associated with LBW.Although positive APCR by itself does not seem to be the cause of severe adverse outcomes during pregnancy, inherited APCR can nevertheless have an effect on hypertension when it is present in combination with other known and unknown thrombophilic risk factors acting simultaneously during pregnancy.
Observed in the 907 Women Included in the Study.Data was collected from the Maternity Department at UCHG.The number and type of pregnancy outcomes

Figure 1 :
Figure 1: (a) Graph comparing FV levels in differing groups within the study, (b) graph comparing FVIII levels in differing groups within the study, and (c) graph comparing F IX levels in differing groups within the study.

ined by So
SVD: Spontaneous vaginal delivery; AV: Assisted vaginal; CS: Cesarean section.and heterozygous individuals for other mutations investigated were included where it was available.A negative control, consisting of water in place of DNA template, was included in each PCR run.PCR amplification was performed on the GeneAmp PCR System 9600 (Perkin Elmer, USA).Kit (Qiagen Ltd, UK) according to the manufacturer's instructions and sent for DNA sequencing to an external sequence service provider (MWG Biotech, Germany).One sample positive for the Cambridge mutation by PCR/REA analysis was also purified using the QIAprep Spin Miniprep Kit (Qiagen Ltd, UK) and sent for sequencing to confirm the Arg 306 mutation.2.7.Levels of Factors V, VIII, and IX.Levels were determined for the APCR-positive and APCR-negative groups

Table 2 :
Comparison of factor V, VII and IX in positive APCR acquired and inherited and negative APCR groups.

Table 3 :
Distribution of the thrombophilic mutations identified in our study cohort.

Table 4 :
Frequency of adverse outcomes identified in positive APCR (acquired plus inherited) versus negative APCR.P value from Pearson Chi-Square test applied to positive APCR (acquired plus inherited) versus negative APCR.

Table 5 :
Results from Pearson Chi-Square test.P values for the association between each adverse pregnancy outcome identified in this study and thrombophilic mutations indentified in our total study cohort n = 907.
NA: no statistics are computed because there is no IUGR in the MTHFR and HR2 groups.