# Influence of Factor V Leiden Mutation and Protein C and Protein S Deficiencies on Preeclampsia Among Sudanese Women

## TL;DR

This study found that low levels of Protein C and Protein S, but not the Factor V Leiden mutation, are strongly linked to preeclampsia in Sudanese women.

## Contribution

The study identifies combined Protein C and Protein S deficiencies as a significant risk factor for preeclampsia in a Sudanese population.

## Key findings

- Low levels of Protein C and Protein S were strongly associated with preeclampsia.
- Reduced Protein S levels were significantly linked to an increased risk of preeclampsia.
- Factor V Leiden mutation showed no significant association with preeclampsia.

## Abstract

Background

Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious pregnancy complication that can endanger the health of both mothers and fetuses. Genetic factors, such as mutations in thrombophilia and deficiencies in natural anticoagulants, could contribute to its development, but their exact roles are not well-understood, especially among Sudanese women.

Objective

To assess the relationship between the Factor V Leiden (FVL) thrombophilic mutation and reduced levels of the natural anticoagulants Protein C (PC) and Protein S (PS) with the occurrence of PE among Sudanese women.

Methods and materials

A case-control study included 300 women, divided equally into three groups: 100 with PE, 100 healthy normotensive pregnant women, and 100 healthy non-pregnant women. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used to detect FVL mutations. PC and PS levels were measured using colorimetric assays. Logistic regression analysis assessed the relationships between these variables and the risk of developing PE.

Results

Our findings showed no significant link between FVL mutations and PE (p=.390). PC levels alone did not emerge as significant independent predictors of PE (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.99-1.02, p=.419). However, women with low PC and S levels were strongly associated with PE in univariate and multivariate analyses (OR 77.67, 95% CI 8.97-672.5, p<.001). This combination was significantly more common in the PE group than in the control group (p<.001). Additionally, reduced PS levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of PE.

Conclusion

Combined PC/PS deficiencies are strongly associated with PE among Sudanese women, indicating a significant role for these natural anticoagulants in the pathogenesis of the disease. An FVL mutation was not significantly associated with PE in this Sudanese population.