Maternal serum ischemia modified albumin level does not change in the presence of intrauterine growth restriction

INTRODUCTION: Maternal vascular hypoperfusion is the most common cause of fetal growth restriction. Maternal oxidative status features are identifiable on placental pathology, and antepartum diagnostic methods are rapidly evolving. The current study was constructed to determine the maternal oxidative status by measuring serum ischemia modified albumin (IMA) levels in pregnancies complicated with idiopathic intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).
METHODS: The current study was designed as a descriptive and cohort trial. A total of 87 pregnant women; 45 healthy controls and 42 pregnancies complicated with idiopathic IUGR were included to the study population. Maternal serum IMA concentration was measured prior to the administration of any medication. The perinatal outcomes of patients were also recorded.
RESULTS: Maternal serum IMA concentration in pregnancies complicated by idiopathic IUGR was higher than in healthy controls. There was no significant difference between the groups (0.54±0.04 versus 0.55±0.06 ABSU, p: 0.314).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: IUGR is a significant pregnancy complication. Elevated oxidative stress which leads to an ischemic microenvironment is associated with IUGR. Maternal serum IMA which is a possible marker for oxidative stress is not increase in pregnancies complicated with idiopathic IUGR.