Evaluation of Homocysteine, Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid Levels During all the Trimesters in Pregnant and Preeclamptic Womens

Background: Folate, vitamin B-12 and vitamin B-6 are required for homocysteine metabolism and their deficiency can result in increased homocysteine concentration. Homocysteine concentrations have been found to be increased in late pregnancy toward nonpregnant values. Objective: To study folate, vitamin B-12 and homocysteine levels in cord blood and maternal blood in preeclampsia. Materials and Methods: One hundred fifty pregnant women attending Out Patient Department of Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology were recruited for the study. Grouped as: GROUP I (control): Fifty normotensive women with singleton pregnancy immediately after delivery; GROUP II (study): Fifty (age and gestation matched women with singleton pregnancy) women with preeclampsia immediately after delivery; GROUP III (study): Fifty normotensive pregnant women were recruited in first trimester (8-12 weeks) that were followed in second (24-28 weeks) and third trimester (32-36 weeks). Homocysteine, vitamin B-12 and folic acid levels were investigated by competitive immunoassay using direct chemiluminiscence technology. Results: Homocysteine and folic acid levels were higher in maternal blood of hypertensive pregnant women as compared to normotensive pregnant women (p<0.001, p>0.05 respectively). Vitamin B12 levels were lower in maternal blood of hypertensive pregnant women as compared to normotensive pregnant women. Levels of homocysteine were higher in cord blood of hypertensive pregnant women as compared to normotensive pregnant women (p<0.01). Levels of vitamin B-12 and folic acid was lower in cord blood of preeclamptic women as compared to normotensive pregnant women (p<0.001, p<0.01 respectively). A negative correlation was found between homocysteine and folic acid levels of mothers in group II that was statistically significant. Conclusion: Elevated homocysteine and folate and vitamin B-12 deficiency during pregnancy may be a risk factor for preeclampsia and future risk of cardiovascular risk.