Maternal Plasma Homocysteine Level, 24-Hour Urinary Protein and haemoglobin in Pre-eclamptic Patients: Is there any relationship?

Abstract

Background: Anaemia is very common in developing countries especially during pregnancy.
Hyperhomocysteinaemia can result from genetic or nutrient-related disturbances in the
transsulfuration or remethylation pathway for homocysteine metabolism.Inadequate intake of
vitamin B ,B or folate may underlie some cases of elevated homocysteine levels. The aim of this 12 6
study was to investigate the possible relationship between plasma homocysteine level,
haemoglobin level and 24-hour urinary protein in pre-eclamptic patients. Folic acid deficiency is
one of the major causes of hyperhomocysteinemia which is one of the major risk factor for preeclampsia [PET]. Severe proteinuria of several grams/day occurs in pre-eclamptic toxaemia.
Methods: Across-sectional comparative study was carried out on 90 primigravida attending the
"antenatal clinic" of Services Hospital,Lahore.Out of these 60 primigravida 30 were mildly preeclamptic and 30 were severely pre-eclamptic at 30-38 weeks of pregnancy.30 primigravida [30-
38 weeks of pregnancy] having uncomplicated pregnancy were taken as control.
Results: The results show that in mild PET and in severe PET, the plasma homocysteine level
shows a significant relationship with 24-hour urinary protein and haemoglobin level.
Conclusion: Anaemia [folic acid defeciency] is one of the important risk factor in the causation
of hyperhomocysteinemia which is one of the major chronic risk factors for eclampsia.