Fragment Bb: evidence for activation of the alternative pathway of the complement system in pregnant women with acute pyelonephritis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Pyelonephritis during pregnancy is associated with a more severe course than in the non-pregnant state. This has been attributed to an increased susceptibility of pregnant women to microbial products. The complement system is part of innate immunity and its alternative pathway is activated mainly by microorganisms. The purpose of this study was to determine if activation of the alternative pathway of the complement system (determined by maternal fragment Bb concentrations) occurs in pregnant women with acute pyelonephritis.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included the following groups: (1) normal pregnant women (n=62) and (2) pregnant women with pyelonephritis (n=38). Maternal plasma fragment Bb concentrations were determined by ELISA. Non-parametric statistics

SUBMITTER: Soto E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2941983 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature