Homocysteine and recurrent miscarriage

Abstract

Background: It is known that etiological structure of recurrent miscarriage has genetic, anatomical, infectious and immunological factors; however, the cause of recurrent miscarriage in 50-60% of cases is not completely clear. Homocysteine is a sulfur-containing intermediate product in the normal metabolism of methionine. Development mechanisms of vascular complications of hyperhomocysteinemia are currently being intensively studied. Hyperhomocysteinemia affects a number of mechanisms involved in thrombogenesis including coagulation cascade, vessel-thrombocytic section, oxidation-reduction reactions, endothelium, and vascular smooth muscle cells and is associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes in pregnancy. Materials and methods: The study included 50 women who had experienced the loss of at least two consecutive pregnancies. The level of the total serum homocysteine was measured via the chemiluminescent method. Results: We found that plasma homocysteine concentration 30μmol/l. The complex of B vitamin supplementation was recommended at least 2 to 3 months before conception. In the current study, 40 women (80.0%, 95% CI 68,92 – 91,08) have become pregnant, passed the critical periods for pregnancy loss and continued the folate intake during the pregnancy. Conclusions: The prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia was more in unexplained primary early recurrent miscarriages. The complex of B vitamin supplementation was recommended at least 2 to 3 months before conception and 40 women (80.0%, 95% CI 68,92 – 91,08) became pregnant, passed the critical periods for pregnancy loss and continued the folate intake during the pregnancy.

Keywords

• homocysteine
• spontaneous abortion
• recurrent abortion
• vitamin B supplementation