Homocysteine and Pregnancy Outcome

Abstract

High total homocysteine (tHcy) measured in serum or plasma is associated with pregnancy complications, congenital malformation and other adverse pregnancy outcomes. The Hordaland Homocysteine Study
(HHS) is a population-based study, in which large population were studied, plasma levels of total homocysteine (tHcy) were associated with several physiologic and lifestyle factors and with common diseases. Among the factors associated with increased plasma tHcy levels are: increasing age, male sex, smoking, coffee consumption, high blood pressure, unfavourable blood lipid profile, high serum creatinine, and the MTHFR C677T polymorphism. However physical activity, moderate alcohol consumption, and a good folate or vitamin B-12 status are associated with lower tHcy levels. Women with raised tHcy levels also have an increased risk of pregnancy complications and an adverse pregnancy outcome. Therefore, it would be highly beneficial to assess the level of tHcy in pregnant women and to start vitamin B complex and
folic acid supplementation if these levels are found below normal.