PP078. Total antioxidant capacity in patients with pregnancy induced hypertension: Its relation to maternal and/or perinatal complications

Introduction

Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is a major cause of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity, particularly in under-resourced countries, like Mexico.

Studies on PIH have shown increased oxidative stress products such as malondialdehyde and decrease of total antioxidant capacity (TAC).

In this research we measured one marker of oxidative stress (OS) the TAC in patients with PIH and we associated it with the development of maternal and/or fetal complications.

Objectives

Determine whether the plasma level of total antioxidant capacity (as a marker of oxidative stress) influences the development of maternal and/or perinatal complications in patients with PIH.

Methods

A observational, analytical, clinical study was conducted in patients with gestational hypertension (GH), mild preeclampsia (MP), severe preeclampsia (SP) and normal pregnancy (NP) > or = 28 weeks gestational age. Serum samples were collected and stored at −70 °C until use for the determination of total antioxidant capacity. It was associated with the development of maternal and/or perinatal complications.

Results

TAC level in normotensive patients (NP) was mean of 2679 +/− 2014 mEq/L while in hypertensive patients (GH, MP, SP) was on mean of 1502 +/−1340 mEq/L (p < 0.05), in the GH group was 1620 +/−1042 mEq/L, in the MP group was 1977 +/−1865 mEq/L, in the SP was 819 +/−305 meq/L

The mean TAC level in the 29 patients who had maternal and/or perinatal complications was 1521 mEq/L, while in the 38 patients who showed no maternal and/or perinatal complications the mean was 2355 mEq/L (p < 0.05).

Of the 29 patients who had complications 15 (52%) had greatly diminished TAC levels (less than 1000 mEq/L), 9 (31%) had between 1000 and 2500 mEq/L and only 5 (17%) > 2500 mEq/L.

72% (28/39) of PIH group had one or more maternal and/or perinatal complications, while only 1 patient (3.6%) of 28 patients with NP had one or more maternal and/or perinatal complications (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Patients with decreased TAC level had a higher percentage of maternal and/or perinatal complications.

Patients with PIH classified as mild preeclampsia, showing reduced TAC level should be in close observation as they have the risk of developing life-threatening complications since management is usually as outpatient.