Serum protein pattern in normal pregnancy with special reference to acute-phase reactants.

The concentrations of acute-phase protein reactants, total protein, albumin and globulin fractions were measured throughout normal pregnancy in 27 women. alpha 1-Antitrypsin and caeruloplasmin concentrations increased gradually to reach their highest levels in the third trimester. Orosomucoid and haptoglobin showed similar patterns: higher levels in the first and third trimester with a decline around 24 weeks gestation. C-Reactive protein showed levels similar to those of non-pregnant healthy individuals (less than 5 mg/l) throughout pregnancy. alpha 1-, alpha 2- and beta-Globulin concentrations increased from the first trimester towards term. gamma-Globulin concentration changed little during gestation. The data obtained provide reference ranges for serum proteins in healthy pregnancy.