Journal of North Khorasan

Abstract Background and Objective: Preeclampcia (PE) is a complex multiorgan disorder with wide spread vasospasm. Endothelial dysfunction is central to the pathogenesis and several studies have demonesttated the association of hyperhemocysteinaemia for the endothelial damage in PE. Folic acid decreases blood hemocystein level by converting it to methionin. Therefore the aim of this research of the assessment of the relation between folic acid consumption and blood hemocystein concentration in women with and without Preeclampsia. Material and Methods: This was a cross sectional case control study conducted among 60 singleton pregnant women in the third trimester admitted in selected hospitals affiliated to Mashad University of Medical Sciences. In the case group there were 30 women with blood Pressure equal to or higher than 140/90 mmHg and Proteinurea of higher than 300 mg in a 24 h urine collection. control group were 30 pregnant women with normal blood Pressure and without Proteinurea in the same trimester of pregnancy. They were matched in their ages, body mass index, socio-economic status, consumption of foods containing folic acid and supplements and other variables affecting Preeclampsia and were more homogeneous. Gestational age of onset, duration and dose of folic acid intake were evaluated by questionnaire and homocysteine levels were measured with a blood test. Data analysis was done using SPSS software, and using T-test, chi-square, two-way analysis of variance and correlation. Results: The two groups showed no significant difference (P = 0.448) in terms of folic acid intake, pregnancy age at the start of folic acid intake and duration of folic acid intake during pregnancy. Blood levels of homocysteine was significantly different between two groups (P = 0.01). There was no significant difference between the duration of folic acid intake and the average blood hemocysteine. Moreover, the two-way ANOVA test showed no difference between two groups in terms of folic acid intake and blood hemocysteine level. Conclusion: Based on the results we conclude that there is no significant relation between the use of folic acid and blood hemocystein level (P=0.346) .