Semin Thromb Hemost 2001; 27(2): 087-092
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-14065
Copyright © 2001 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Variation of Des-Gamma-Carboxyprothrombin (PIVKA-II) Levels in Cord Blood Throughout Gestation

Tomizo Nishiguchi1 , Kaoru Matsuyama1 , Takao Kobayashi1 , Naohiro Kanayama1 , Toshihiko Terao1 , Makoto Maeda2 , Satoshi Ibara3
  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
  • 2Hamamatsu Medical Center Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan
  • 3Kagoshima City Hospital, Kagoshima, Japan
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2001 (online)

ABSTRACT

The variation of des-gamma-carboxyprothrombin (PIVKA-II, protein induced by vitamin K absence) levels in umbilical cord blood throughout gestation was examined using a highly sensitive method, electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA). PIVKA-II levels in infants without any complications were low, but modestly high, exceeding the normal range of healthy adults during the preterm period, followed by a remarkable increase after the 37th week of gestation. Among infants complicated with severe preeclampsia a marked increase of PIVKA-II levels was observed in preterm infants, showing a good correlation with the existence of infarctions on the placenta. On the other hand, among infants complicated with preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) in which antibiotics were administered during the prenatal period, a moderate elevation of PIVKA-II levels was observed. These data suggest that the normal range of PIVKA-II in fetuses is modestly high compared with adults and any deficient status of vitamin K would not exist throughout the preterm period. Nevertheless, the vitamin K status might readily fall into a deficient condition in term infants. Furthermore, it is notable that vitamin K deficiency would be induced in complicated gestation with severe preeclampsia and medication with antibiotics.

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