Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Hypertension is the leading causes of maternal and perinatal deaths in developing countries. Hypertension prevalence in pregnancy varies from 5% -10% and it affects 20% - 30% of the adult population. The present study was conducted to assess the level of MDA, vit E and vit C in pregnancy and their effect in development of pregnancy induced hypertension. Materials & Methods: Study included 40 pregnant women in age range from 18- 30 years. Primigrividae with blood pressure >140/90mm of Hg with odema and proteinuria within 28-42 weeks were included. After obtaining written consent, they were divided into 2 groups- 1. Primi with mild preeclampsia with B.P. > 140/90- 150/109 mm Hg and urinary protein > 0.3 gm/day. 2. Primi with severe preeclampsia with B.P. > 160/ 100 mm Hg and urinary protein > 3 gm/ day. An aged matched control group with B.P <140/100mm Hg with no odema and proteinuria was included in the study. In all subjects, serum malondialdehyde level (MDA), serum vitamin E level, plasma vitamin C level and urinary protein estimation was performed. Results: 40 subjects had normal prima gravida, 28 had primi with mild preeclampsia and 12 had primi with severe pre eclampsia. The difference was significant (P-0.02). Mean age in normal prima gravid was 24 years, in primi with mild preeclampsia was 25.32 and primi with severe pre eclampsia was 26.45. Systolic blood pressure was 148.2 mm Hg and 166.4 mm Hg in primi with mild preeclampsia and primi with severe pre eclampsia respectively. Distolic blood pressure was 98 mm Hg and 114. 6 mm Hg in primi with mild preeclampsia and primi with severe pre eclampsia respectively. Mean priteinuria was 0.92 gm/day and 3.2 in with mild preeclampsia and primi with severe pre eclampsia respectively. Odema was + and ++ in with mild preeclampsia and primi with severe pre eclampsia respectively. Mean MDA was 2.44, 4.88 and 5.64 in normal prima gravida, primi with mild preeclampsia and primi with severe pre eclampsia respectively. Vitamin E level was 8.25, 7.14 and 7.62 in normal prima gravida, primi with mild preeclampsia and primi with severe pre eclampsia respectively. Plasma vitamin C level was 8.26, 6.8 and 6.9 in normal prima gravida, primi with mild preeclampsia and primi with severe pre eclampsia respectively. The difference was significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: There is imbalance between antioxidant vitamin status and lipid peroxidation. Lipid peroxidation is one of the initiating factor in preeclampsia.
Key words: Hypertension, lipid peroxidation, vitamin C.