Homocysteinaemia during pregnancy and placental disease.

OBJECTIVE

Hyperhomocysteinaemia, due to enzymatic defects or to the lack of some vitamin cofactors (vit. B6, vit. B12, folic acid), could be associated with obstetric disease. The aim of this study was to investigate placental disease in women with mild-moderate hyperhomocysteinaemia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Blood samples of seven pregnant women with severe early onset preeclampsia were assessed for hyperhomocysteinaemia. The obtained values were compared with those of a control group. In all cases, tissue samples obtained from the placenta, umbilical cord and membranes were studied. One of the patients was treated empirically with folic acid during a subsequent pregnancy.

RESULTS

Patient homocysteine plasma levels were higher than in the control group. In all cases several placental abnormalities were found. The patient treated with folic acid had a good pregnancy outcome.

CONCLUSION

Hyperhomocysteinaemia during pregnancy could be responsible for placental abnormalities. Treatment with folic acid could improve pregnancy outcome in women with homocysteine metabolism abnormalities.