ELEVATED HOMOCYST(E)INE LEVELS WITH PREECLAMPSIA

Objective: To determine whether homocyst(e)ine, a relatively new risk factor for possible endothelial cell dysfunction and premature vascula r disease, is elevated in nulliparous pregnant women with preeclampsia . Methods: We measured plasma homocyst(e)ine, folic acid, and vitamin B-12 levels in 40 nulliparas, 20 with and 20 without preeclampsia at t he time of their delivery. Results: Mean (+/-standard deviation) plasm a homocyst(e)ine levels in the 20 nulliparous women with preeclampsia were significantly higher than in the 20 nulliparous women without pre eclampsia (8.66 +/- 3.05 versus 4.99 +/- 1.11 mu mol/L, P < .001). Fol ic acid and vitamin B-12 concentrations were not significantly differe nt between the two groups. Conclusion: Homocyst(e)ine levels are eleva ted in pregnant nulliparas with preeclampsia at the time of their deli very. Further studies are necessary to determine what role homocyst(e) ine may play in the etiology of preeclampsia. ((C) 1997 by The America n College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.)