Question 8.2

Angoff score
5.77
Highest mark
9.25
Pass rate
??
Other SAQs in this topic:
Other SAQs in this paper:

(the context of pregnancy is implied by the preceding question, Question 8.1 from the second paper of 2024)
Indicate the change you would anticipate for each test listed below (2 marks)

a. Platelet count
b. Factor V, Vll, IX, X levels
c. Fibrinogen level
d. Protein S level

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College answer

Syllabus topic/section:

2.1.11    Obstetric Intensive Care: Physiological changes related to pregnancy: L1


Discussion: 

This question was an obstetric data question and was generally answered well by most candidates.

Question 8.2 was a pure knowledge recall question, and most candidates did well.

Discussion

From Moore & Pereira (2013), as well as Katz & Beilin (2015):

  • Platelet count decreases, particularly in late pregnancy
  • Factors VII, IX, X, XII and von Willebrand factor increase significantly; Factor VII may increase as much as tenfold.
  • Factor V does not change in pregnancy
  • Fibrinogen levels increase throughout pregnancy
  • Protein S levels decrease progressively during pregnancy

References

Bremme, Katarina A. "Haemostatic changes in pregnancy." Best practice & research Clinical haematology 16.2 (2003): 153-168.

Moore, Lisa E., and Nigel Pereira. "Physiological changes of pregnancy." Maternal Critical Care: A Multidisciplinary Approach 107 (2013).

Katz, D., and Y. Beilin. "Disorders of coagulation in pregnancy." BJA: British Journal of Anaesthesia 115.suppl_2 (2015): ii75-ii88.

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