Relation between Homocysteine serum levels and pregnancy complicated with preeclampsia occurrence

Preeclapsmia representing as one of the most important complications of pregnancy, affects up to 8% of all pregnancies nevertheless little has been known about its etiology. It is, however, generally accepted that the pathophysiology of preeclampsia is related to systemic maternal endothelial dysfunction. Homocysteine, a cytotoxic compound, adversely affects the endothelial system. Main objective of this study was to assess plasma levels of homocysteine in women with normal pregnancies and those who suffering from preeclapsmia. A case -control study was designed for 165 preeclamptic patients and 165 normal cases. Controls were matched for gestational age and age of mothers. Blood samples were obtained from patients attending Alavi hospital in Ardabil (after 6-8 hour NPO). Two milliliters blood was collected in tubes containing ice bag stored ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and homocysteine level was analyzed. Mean levels of homocysteine were elevated in the preeclamptic cases compared to control group (7.4±3.3 vs. 4.09±2.3 _mmol/l, P < 0.001) the levels of BMI and Arms sizes have been shown to be different statistically in two groups and other variables revealed no significant differences between the groups. It is concluded that in our study homocysteine Levels, BMI and Arms sizes are signiffantly effected patients with preeclampsia compared with control group and can increase the risk of developing severe side effect to mothers and neonates.