Does Vitamin C and E Supplementation Have a Protective Role in Mild Preeclampsia?
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- Category: Vol. 77, March 2009
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Does Vitamin C and E Supplementation Have a Protective Role in Mild Preeclampsia?
ELHAM S. MAREI, HEBA MANSOUR and AZZA ABDALLAH
Abstract
Objectives: Oxidative stress has been proposed as a key factor involved in the development of pre-eclampsia. Supple-mentation with antioxidant vitamins has been proposed to reduce the risk of preeclampsia and perinatal complications, but the effects of this intervention are uncertain.
Aim of the Study: 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?.
Research Design and Methods: This research includes of 30 mild pre-eclamptic women, all were primigravidae with singletone 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.
Results: 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.
Conclusion: 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.