Objectives: This study seeks to discover how the concentration of complement proteins, factors B and P are affected in HIV-associated PE.
Methods: This study included 72 pregnant women: 36 preeclamptic and 36 normotensive. Serum concentrations of factors B and P were measured using a Bioplex immunoassay.
Results: A significant decrease of factor B in the HIV+ compared to the HIV- group was noted. No significant difference across all groups for both analytes was observed.
Conclusion: Our results suggest the alternative pathway (AP) is inhibited by HIV evading immune detection. The AP is not excessively activated in PE during the third trimester.
Keywords: HIV; Preeclampsia; complement; factor B; factor P.