Study of Serum Homocysteine, Folic Acid and Vitamin B12 in Patients with Preeclampsia

The present study was carried out to evaluate the occurrence of association between homocysteine, folic acid and vitamin B-12 in patients with preeclampsia. Fifty preeclamptic patients from gynecology ward were studied for estimation of serum homocysteine, folic acid and vitamin B-12 over a period of October 2007 to June 2010. Serum homocysteine and folic acid, and vitamin B-12 were determined by means of Immulite 1000 analyzer. The statistical analysis of study group of preeclampsia compared with normotensive control group, showed significant alterations in serum homocysteine, folic acid and vitamin B-12 concentrations in preeclampsia. Inverse association between serum homocysteine and folic acid, and vitamin B-12 levels were observed in preeclampsia. The present study found hyperhomocysteinemia and deficiency of folic acid and vitamin B-12 along with increased blood pressure as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in preeclampsia.