Antioxidants supplementation in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia improves neonatal antioxidants level and erythrocytes stability

Abstract EN

-Background: Newborns of mothers suffering from pre-eclampsia are vulnerable to higher incidences of morbidities that are suspected to be caused by oxidative stress.

Erythrocytes are one of the most vulnerable cells to oxidative damage in newborns, which may result in neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia.

Aim of the study : to investigate the antioxidants levels in infants born to mothers with pre-eclampsia who were supplemented during pregnancy with antioxidants compared to those who were not, as well as the effect of this on erythrocytes stability and neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia. Methods: 251 high risk pregnant women were randomized to receive either antioxidants (1500IU vitamin A, l000 mg vitamin C, 400IU vitamin E, and l00 ug selenium) or placebo.

Nineteen women in the supplemented group and 22 women in the placebo group developed pre-eclampsia.

Newborn infants of those who developed pre-eclampsia were compared as regard vitamin A, C, and E serum levels as well as erythrocytes glutathione reductive enzyme activity.

Also, bilirubin levels and parameters of blood picture were compared. Results : serum levels of vitamins A, C, and E as well as erythrocytes glutathione reductive enzyme activity were significantly higher in newborns of supplemented women immediately after birth.

Newborns of supplemented women showed lower bilirubin levels, higher hemoglobin and lower reticulocytes count compared to control. Conclusion: Supplementing pregnant women suffering from pre-eclampsia with antioxidants during pregnancy increases the level of antioxidants in their newborns and help to reduce the hemolytic effect of oxidative stress and the resulting unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia in these newborns.