Oxidative Stress Markers in Pregnant Women Who Snore and Fetal Outcome: A Case Control Study

Abstract

Background. To determine the levels of oxidative stress markers in pregnant women who snore and compare with non-snoring pregnant women. Fetal outcome of these 2 groups was also evaluated. Materials and methods. Prospective, case control study. Some 40 pregnant women who snored and 43 non-snoring pregnant women were evaluated. The glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels of the 2 groups were studied. Infant birthweight, Apgar scores, and other indicators of fetal outcome were obtained. Results. The mean level of GSH-Px was significantly lower in the pregnant women who snored (p = 0.005), while the mean level of MDA was significantly higher in this group (p = 0.005). Levels of MPO were comparable between the groups (p > 0.05). The pregnant women who snored did not have infants with evidence of an increase in compromised outcome. Conclusion. Although the pregnant women who snored had high levels of MDA, they did not appear to be at increased risk for delivering infants with fetal compromise.