First trimester elevations of hematocrit, lipid peroxidation and nitrates in women with twin pregnancies who develop preeclampsia.

Abstract

Twin pregnancies are considered a risk factor for preeclampsia, an obstetric complication with high maternal and infant morbi-mortality. We hypothesize that alterations in maternal hematocrit, plasma lipid peroxidation and nitrates in the first trimester of pregnancy are associated with preeclampsia development in twin pregnancies. Blood samples were extracted from 102 healthy women with twin pregnancies at tenth week of gestation to assess hematological parameters and plasma levels of malondialdehyde and nitrates. Logistic regression model showed an association between red blood cells (OR=38.8; p-value=0.009), hematocrit (OR=1.6; p-value=0.017), malondialdehyde (OR=1.5; p-value=0.002), and nitrates (OR=1.1; p-value=0.045) and preeclampsia development. These parameters are potential biomarkers for early preeclampsia detection in twin pregnancies. Future research is needed to assess their value in predictive algorithms.