Androgen levels in the third trimester of pregnancy in patients with preeclampsia

Objective(s): To investigate if testosterone levels are higher in patients with preeclampsia compared to normotensive pregnant patients. Study design: The levels of serum total and free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, androstenedione and sex hormone binding globulin were estimated in 28 patients during the third trimester of pregnancy with established preeclampsia and 25 normotensive women. Results: No statistically significant differences were noted between the two groups regarding the maternal age, gestational age, body mass index (BMI) haematocrit and neonatal sex. The mean +/- S.D. total testosterone and free testosterone levels were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the group with preeclapsia compared to the control group. The values of DHEA-S, androstenedione and sex hormone binding globulin were lower in the group with preeclampsia but the difference did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion(s): The levels of total and free testosterone appear to be higher in patients with preeclampsia compared to normotensive pregnant women during the third trimester of pregnancy. This difference could indicate an involvement of testosterone in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia and stimulates research in the potential role of anti-androgens in the management of preeclampsia. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.