OBJECTIVE:

We aimed to compare the serum mannose-binding lectin (MBL) levels in severe preeclampsia with those in uncomplicated pregnancies and healthy women and to investigate the correlation with serum biochemical markers.

MATERIALS-METHODS:

This study included 27 patients with severe preeclampsia (Group 1); 27, with uncomplicated pregnancies (Group 2); and 25 healthy reproductive-age women (Group 3). We performed a complete blood count and measured the prothrombin time; activated partial thromboplastin time; international normalized ratio; and the serum levels of urea, creatinine, uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and MBL.

RESULTS:

The mean serum MBL level was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in Group 1 than in Groups 2 and 3, while the MBL levels did not differ significantly between Groups 2 and 3 (p > 0.05). High MBL level was not correlated with age, blood pressure, complete blood count, haemostatic parameters, and liver and renal functions.

CONCLUSIONS:

Serum MBL level increases significantly in severe preeclampsia, but is not correlated with the degree of the severity.

Keywords: Mannose-binding lectin, Preeclampsia