SELENIUM DEFICIENCY AND MISCARRIAGE - A POSSIBLE LINK

Objective To investigate a possible relationship between a deficiency in serum selenium concentration and first trimester miscarriage. Desig n An observational study. Setting A teaching hospital in South Wales. Participants and methods Serum selenium, albumin and total protein wer e measured in 40 women admitted with first trimester nonrecurrent misc arriage. The results were compared with an equal number of age-matched nonpregnant healthy volunteers, and also from 40 pregnant women atten ding the antenatal clinic for booking in the first trimester. Results A reduction in serum selenium normally occurs in the first trimester o f pregnancies that progress to term. However, a further statistically highly significant decrease in serum selenium was observed in those wo men who miscarried. Conclusion Further studies are required to assess the potential benefits of selenium supplements.