THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN 4 HYDROXY GLUTAMATE AND PREECLAMPSIA

Abstract

BACKGROUND: preeclampsia is a significant cause of direct maternal death. Glutamate has an important role in promoting normal pregnancy. Thus, aim of study was to estimate the association between 4-hydroxyglutamate acid and preeclampsia.

METHODS: A case control study is conducted on sample of 100 pregnant women within 3rd trimester and divided into 2 groups: Fifty pregnant women who had preeclampsia (26 case mild and 24 case severe) as a case group. Another fifty normotensive as control group. Ten milliliters of venous blood were taken from each woman (case and control).  Five milliliters were sent for liver function tests (Aspartate transaminase (AST), Alanine transaminase (ALT), Serum albumin), renal function tests (Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), Serum creatinine), Serum uric acid, Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and complete blood picture.  Urine samples were sent for albumin.

RESULTS: Results of liver function test in test group were significantly higher than control. LDH, BUN, S. creatinine uric acid, and Protein/Creatinine ratio were significantly higher in preeclampsia than control. While platelet and albumin were lower in cases of pre-eclampsia than control. Regarding severity of preeclampsia there was no difference in level of 4 hydroxy glutamate between mild and severe preeclampsia. 4 hydroxy glutamate is a sensitive and specific marker of preeclampsia, with a level equal or more than 142.5 pg/ml had 5.75 times the risk of preeclampsia.

CONCLUSIONS: The level of 4-hydroxy glutamate was increased significantly in pregnant women with preeclampsia in comparison to healthy women.