Does vitamin C and E supplementation have a protective role in mild preeclampsia?

ABSTRACT

Oxidative stress has been proposed as a key factor involved in the development of pre-eclampsia. Supplementation with antioxidant vitamins has been proposed to reduce the risk of preeclampsia and perinatal complications, but the effects of this intervention are uncertain. Was to assess if supplementing women with mild pre-eclampsia with antioxidants in the form of [Vitamin C 1000mg + Vitamin E 400IU] during the third trimester of pregnancy might help to counteract oxidative stress and thereby prevent or delay the incidence of severe pre-eclampsia?. This research includes of 30 mild pre-eclamptic women, all were primigravidae with singlctone gestation in the third trimester [28-32 weeks of gestation]. Fifteen of them were supplemented with [Vitamin C 1000mg + Vitamin E 400IU] tablets] daily until delivery and were considered as the study group [PE-CE]. The control group [n=15] were not supplemented with vitamin C and E tablets [PE]. Measurement of serum nitric oxide level [NO] was assessed initially on the first visit and re-evaluated at the end of the study using ELISA. Follow-up of all pregnant women was done until delivery. Significant increase in serum NO levels were realized among PE-CE group compared to the controls. Also, significant decrease in serum NO levels among PE group were obtained at the end of the study; reflecting the significant decrease in oxidative stress among the pre-eclamptic group who received anti-oxidants. Significant negative correlation between serum NO level and mean arterial blood pressure was evident in PE-CE group. Patients with pre-eclampsia are exposed to oxidative stress, which may have a role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Supplementation with the antioxidants vitamin C and E could be considered in the management of mild pre-eclampsia and to be routinely administered in mid trimester pregnancy