Elevated plasma endothelial microparticles in preeclampsia.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess endothelial dysfunction in women with preeclampsia by measuring endothelial microparticles.

Study Design: A case-control study was conducted on 20 women with preeclampsia and 20 healthy pregnant women as control subjects. Endothelial microparticles were measured by flow cytometry with anti-CD31 and anti-CD42. CD31(+)/CD42(+) platelet microparticles were also quantified.

Results: Plasma endothelial microparticles levels were elevated significantly in women with preeclampsia as compared with control subjects (mean+/-SD and median [range]: 14,723+/-7,724 counts/microL and 12,378 counts/microL [1,442-33,772 counts/microL] vs 8406+/-2832 counts/microL and 9016 counts/microL [3,381-12,806 counts/microL]; P<.001). Plasma platelet microparticles levels were not different among cases compared to control subjects (10,751+/-6,114 counts/microL and 9463 counts/microL [3,000-23,895 counts/microL] vs 7871+/-4344 counts/microL and 6462 counts/microL [444-18,947 counts/microL]; P=.208). No significant correlation was found between plasma endothelial microparticles and mean arterial pressure in cases or control subjects.

Conclusion: The elevation of endothelial microparticles in women with preeclampsia supports the endothelial injury theory in preeclampsia.