Publication:

Hyperhomocysteinemia in Recurrent pregnancy loss

Background Hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with many pregnancy related complications. Its association with recurrent pregnancy loss has been investigated recently. Not only it is associated with recurrent pregnancy loss but also associated with complications like Preeclampsia, intrauterine growth retardation and low birth weight. The objective of this study to assess the prevalence of Hyperhomocysteinemia in patients with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss and to evaluate the association of hyperhomocysteinemia with pregnancy complications in patients of recurrent pregnancy loss.

Methods 50 Patients of unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss were selected as cases and 50 patients with atleast one successful pregnancy were taken as controls. Their blood sample was assayed for Fasting Homocysteine levels. They were followed up throughout pregnancy for any complications and neonatal outcome was recorded.

Results 19 patients out of the 50 cases had Hyperhomocysteinemia. Hyperhomocysteinemia was thrice more common in Primary aborters when compared to secondary aborters. Out of 19 patients with hyperhomocysteinemia in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss, 14 patients also developed Hypertensive disorder of pregnancy during their antenatal period. Among patients with Hyperhomocysteinemia in study group, 47% had low birthweight babies when compared to 25% among control group.

Conclusions Hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with recurrent pregnancy loss and patients of Recurrent pregnancy loss who have Hyperhomocysteinemia have a higher risk of developing pregnancy complications like Preeclampsia, low birth weight and Intrauterine growth retardation.