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

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.