Separation of plasma ADAMTS13:AG by IEF. The week of gestation or the day after delivery is shown at the top of the figure, and plasma levels of ADAMTS13:AC and VWF:Ag are shown at the bottom. The IEF pattern of ADAMTS13:AG in normal plasma is indicated on the left. The number of days postpartum is indicated with a gray background. IEF analysis of each sample was performed in a different gel. (A) In all 5 normal pregnant women (NP), band I of ADAMTS13 (ie, the unbound form of ADAMTS13) slightly decreased during pregnancy. (B) Five patients with preeclampsia (PE) showed no marked changes of IEF patterns, and only patient 3 (PE3) showed a reduction of band I in the postpartum period. (C) All 8 patients with HELLP syndrome (HS) showed a severe reduction of band I, especially in the postpartum period. c/s, cesarean section.