the effect of antioxidant vitamins on blood coagulation during pregnancy in women at risk of preeclampsia

Abstract Background: Oxidative stress is blamed in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia. However, it is less clear what effect gestational antioxidants would have on pre-eclampsia associated coagulopathy, aim of the study: to investigate the effect of antioxidants supplementation on coagulopathy during pre-eclampsia, patients and Methods: The study was performed as a randomized, controlled, blinded trial; 251 high risk pregnant women were randomized to receive either antioxidants (1000mg vitamin C, 400IU vitamin E, 100 micro g Selenium and 1500IU vitamin A) or placebo. Primary maternal outcome was pre-eclampsia or one of its complications. . In each trimester, detailed blood chemistry lipogram, and coagulation profile were done. Antioxidants blood levels (vitamins A, C, and E) were measured immediately before delivery. Results: Incidence of pre-eclampsia did not differ between the two groups. However, a significant reduction in disease severity was noticed. Antioxidants reduced the levels of D-dimer, von Willibrand factor, and fibrinogen significantly. Platelets activity showed a significant reduction in the supplemented group. Antioxidants were significantly higher in blood of the supplemented group. Conclusion: Supplementing high risk women with antioxidants during pregnancy may help to counteract the oxidative stress and control coagulopathy. However, it does not prevent the disease. Keywords: coagulopathy, antioxidants, pre-eclampsia, vitamins