Role of l-arginine in the prevention of pre eclampsia in high-risk pregnancies.

Abstract

Objective: To compare the efficacy of L-Arginine versus placebo in the prevention of pre eclampsia in high-risk pregnancies. Study Design: Randomized Control Trial. Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nishtar Hospital Multan. Period: November 2019 to February 2019. Material & Methods: A total of 130 women were included in the study. 65 patients were in L-arginine group or Group A while 65 patients were in placebo group or Group B. In group A, women were prescribed L-arginine 300 grams (Amino Whey Sachet) once a day until delivery and in group B; women were given homologated placebo (starch) once a day until delivery. Efficacy (no preeclampsia occurs during pregnancy) was noted from both groups and recorded. Mean ±SD was presented for quantitative variables like age, gestational age, parity, duration of chronic hypertension, weight, height and BMI. Variables such as age, parity, hypertension, body mass index, gestational age and duration of hypertension were stratified to assess their effect on efficacy. Chi square test was used to make comparison of the efficacy in both groups as well as for post-stratification for both groups. A p value of less than or equal to 0.05 was taken as significant. Results: In L-arginine group efficacy was 92.3% as compared to 69.2% in placebo group (p< 0.000) Table-IV. Conclusion: It can be concluded that L-arginine when given orally at the dose of 300g daily has a considerable role in prevention of pre-eclampsia in pregnant patients with high risk and also has a role in reduction of severity of pre-eclampsia.