The Significance of Plasma Homocysteine Level in Pregnant Women with Severe Preeclampsia.

Leem, Jong Chan; Lee, Hee Jong; Yang, Jeong In; Kim, Haeng Soo; Ryu, Hee Sug

Original Article

Korean Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology 2004;47(3):502-506.
Published online March 1, 2004.

The Significance of Plasma Homocysteine Level in Pregnant Women with Severe Preeclampsia.

Jong Chan Leem, Hee Jong Lee, Jeong In Yang, Haeng Soo Kim, Hee Sug Ryu

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The elevated plasma homocysteine concentrations is a independent risk factor of atherosclerosis. We investigated the level of plasma homocysteine is associated with severe preeclampsia. METHODS: 28 pregnant women with severe preeclampsia (study group) and 26 normotensive, healthy pregnant women (control group), matched by maternal age, gestational age, pre-pregnant body mass index and parity were enrolled into this study. Blood samples were collected within 24 hours before delivery and just 24 hours after delivery. The level of plasma homocysteine was measured by fluorescent polarization immunoassay. Statistical analysis was performed using Student t test. RESULTS: Plasma homocysteine levels in the women with severe preeclampsia were significantly elevated than those of control group in antepartum and postpartum 24 hours [7.17 2.71 vs 5.37 1.49 g/mL (mean SD); p<0.05 in antepartum, 6.38 2.03 vs 4.48 +/- 0.40 g/mL (mean SD); p<0.05 in postpartum]. CONCLUSION: In the present study the increase of plasma homocysteine in pregnant women with severe preeclampsia is related the pathogenesis of preeclampsia as like in atherosclerosis and may be used as a marker of preeclampsia by further research.

Key Words: Homocysteine, Severe pre-eclampsia