SERUM LEVELS OF FOLATE AND COBALAMIN IN WOMEN WITH RECURRENT SPONTANEOUS-ABORTION

We evaluated the folate and cobalamin status in 29 non-pregnant women with a history of recurrent spontaneous abortion (three or more consec utive) of unknown aetiology in comparison to 29 healthy nulligravidae of similar reproductive age (controls). Serum concentrations of folate and cobalamin showed no significant differences between the two group s. No correlation between age and vitamin concentrations was round, In the study group there was a significant negative correlation of the n umber of previous abortions and the concentration of serum folate. Pat ients with at least four previous miscarriages had significantly lower serum values of folic acid than women with three abortions, hut not t han controls. The underlying cause of this finding remains unclear In conclusion, the serum concentrations of folic acid and vitamin B12 are not significantly altered ill women with unexplained recurrent sponta neous abortions, and an association between a deficiency of these vita mins and an increased risk of pregnancy loss appears to be questionabl e in the majority of gestations.