Homocysteine Changes in Preeclampsia

Abstract

AbstractObjective: To determine whether homocysteine, a relatively new risk factor for possible endothelial cell dysfunction and premature vascular disease, is elevated in pregnant women with preeclampsia.Methods: A case-control study design conducted at Al-kadimiya teaching hospital for the period from September 2000 through April 2001. The study sample consisted of 100 pregnant women in labour subdivided into three groups (40 pregnant women with severe preeclampsia, 30 pregnant women with mild preeclampsia and 30 normotensive pregnant women as a control). Plasma homocysteine concentration measurement and observation of the maternal and fetal outcome was done for all groups.Results: The incidence of hyperhomocysteinemia was significantly higher among patients with severe preeclampsia (80%) compared to those with mild preeclampsia (67%) and the normotensive group (7%) and the incidence of adverse maternal and neonatal outcome is significantly higher among patients with severe preeclampsia compared to the others.Conclusion: Plasma total homocysteine concentration is elevated in pregnant women with preeclampsia during labour being significantly higher in cases with severe preeclampsia so hyperhomocysteinemia is considered a risk factor for adverse maternal and neonatal outcome.