Study of uterine artery perfusion and total antioxidant capacity in second trimester pregnancy

Abstract

Background: Abnormal placentation during the 1st trimester results in oxidative stress, affecting the subsequent gestational course. This study evaluated if the condition of pathological perfusion is distinguished by an altered plasma antioxidant capacity along with investigating the efficacy of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) measurement as an adjunct to doppler sonography. Methodology: Pregnant women (2nd trimester), categorized into 2 groups [Control (n=25, normal uterine perfusion) and case (n=25, abnormal uterine perfusion)], were evaluated for TAC. Statistical significance was set at p≤0.05. Results: Mean plasma TAC was higher in the control (750.02±74.12 µmol/l) than the case group (580.97±168.37 µmol/l) (p<0.0001). Difference in the mean period of gestation between groups was significant (p<0.0001). The gestation period and birth weight in case group was lower than that of control. Conclusion: Hindered uterine perfusion causing reduced plasma TAC levels was observed. Estimating TAC may have diagnostic, pathophysiologic and therapeutic implications concerning abnormal uterine perfusion.