Hyperhomocysteinemia as a Risk Factor for IUGR.

OBJECTIVE To study the role of hyperhomocysteinemia in patients with intrauterine growth retardation. METHOD 76 patients with intrauterine growth retardation were studied and compared with 50 controls which included pregnant patients without any pregnancy complications. Fasting Plasma homocysteine levels were measured and statistical analysis using tests of significance and logistic regression analysis was performed. Those in the study group were given homocysteine lowering agents for 6 wks and pregnancy outcome was studied. RESULTS 57.8 % women in the study group were found to have hyperhomocysteinemia. Logistic Regression analysis shows an OR of 2.45 in favor of occurrence of IUGR if homocysteine levels are raised which is statistically significant. Mean plasma homocysteine levels decreased after treatment for 6 wks but this decrease in the case of placebo group is marginal whereas the decrease in the homocysteine levels the treatment group. This implies that treatment has a definitive role in lowering of plasma homocysteine levels. CONCLUSION The present study shows that hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with IUGR and should be identified as a risk factor as correction favors pregnancy outcome.