Platelet aggregation and TGF-beta(1) plasma levels in pregnant women with preeclampsia.

Objectives: Platelets and transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Our objectives were to determine plasma concentration of TGF-beta(1) in normotensive and preeclamptic women in the third trimester of pregnancy and to evaluate the correlation of TGF-beta(1) plasma levels with platelet count and agonist-induced aggregation capacity.

Methods: Thirty-three women with preeclampsia were compared with 36 healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies.