Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background:Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are common pregnancy complications that can have major effects on both the mother and the fetus. The present study was conducted to assess associations between serum placental leucine aminopeptidase and pregnancy outcomes. Materials & Methods:92 women with singleton pregnancieswere divided into 4 groups. Group I were affected by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), group II was GDM, group II were of fetal death, and group IV were healthy subjects. Venous blood samples were obtained and measured using L-leucine-p-nitroanilide. Results: In group I, II, III and IV, neonatal gender was male in 13, 17, 9, and 10 respectively and female gender in 10, 13, 5 and 13 respectively. The delivery was natural in 14, 18, 14 and 15 and cesarean in 9, 12, 0 and 10 respectively. Apgar score at 1 minute was 8.6, 8.7, 0.0 and 8.2 and at 5 minutes was 9.4, 9.2, 0.0 and 9.7 respectively. The mean serum P-LAP level in group I was 73.2 U/L, in group II was 72.1 U/L, in group III was 4.6 U/L and in group IV was 105.3 U/L. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Serum P-LAP levels were shown to be significantly lower in patients with HDP and GDM as compared to healthy pregnant women, and severely low in patients with fetal mortality. Additionally, low serum P-LAP levels were very sensitive and specific in predicting fetal death.