Factor V Leiden gene mutation and preeclampsia?

Objective: Although preeclampsia complicates 5-10% of all pregnancies, its etiology is unknown. It has been hypothesized that preeclampsia may have a single gene inheritance pattern and result from a pathologic interaction between the coagulation system, platelet, endothelial cell, and the placenta. The factor V Leiden gene mutation was recently discovered, and the carrier state may be present in 5% of the population. The purpose of this study was to determine if this gene mutation was associated with severe preeclampsia in our population. Methods: A prospective observational study over 6 months was conducted in an obstetrical referral center. Blood samples from severely preeclamptic patients were analyzed for the factor V Leiden gene mutation. Results: Of 19 patients with severe preeclampsia, only one was heterozygous for the factor V Leiden gene mutation, and she experienced severe, early onset preeclampsia in two pregnancies. Conclusions: Factor V Leiden gene mutation was not associated with the majority of cases of severe preeclampsia in our population. However, it may be associated with a more severe, early onset form of preeclampsia, which may recur in subsequent pregnancies.