Maternal plasma homocysteine level, 24-hour urinary protein and haemoglobin in pre-eclamptic patients: is there any relationship?

ABSTRACT

Background: Anaemia is very common in developing countries especially during pregnancy. Hyperhomocysteinaemia can result from genetic or nutrient-related disturbances in the transsulfuration or remethylation pathway for homocysteine metabolism. Inadequate intake of vitamin 8[12],B[6] or folate may underlie some cases of elevated homocysteine levels. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible relationship between plasma homocysteine level, haemoglobin level and 24-hour urinary protein in pre-eclamptic patients. Folic acid deficiency is one of the major causes of hyperhomocysteinemia which is one of the major risk factor for preeclampsia [PET]. Severe proteinuria of several grams/day occurs in pre-eclamptic toxaemia