The evaluation of homocysteine level in patients with preeclampsia

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation between preeclampsia and blood plasma homocysteine levels. Material and methods: The research was conducted in a group of 114 pregnant patients who were subdivided into three groups consisting of: 30 women with severe preeclampsia, 24 with mild preeclampsia, and 60 healthy pregnant controls. Patient data included age, parity, body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, homocysteine, folic acid, vitamin B12, hematocrit, hemoglobin, blood urine nitrogen, uric acid and urine analysis. Results: There were no differences in the demographic characteristics (age, gravidity and BMI) among the groups. Mean serum homocysteine level was significantly higher in the preeclamptic group as compared to controls (p<0.01). Mean homocysteine level in the control group was significantly lower than in the severe and mild preeclampsia groups, respectively (p<0.001 vs. p<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in homocysteine levels between mild and severe preeclampsia groups (p>0.05). Although there were statistically significant differences among the three groups in terms of BUN, creatinine, AST, ALT, and LDH, no statistically significant differences in serum folic acid, vitamin B12 and hemoglobin levels were found. Conclusions: Plasma homocysteine levels are significantly elevated in patients with preeclampsia and are not correlated with disease severity.