Deficiency of serum l-arginine levels in severe preeclampsia; a consideration for supplementation

Abstract

Objective

The purpose of this study was to compare serum levels of l-arginine in normal pregnant women, severe preeclampsia, and severe preeclampsia with complications.

Methods

It was an observational study with a cross-sectional design, 88 third trimester of pregnancy became the sample which consisted of 46 normal pregnant women, 30 severe preeclampsia, and 12 severe preeclampsia with complication. This study conducted in four hospitals in the city of Makassar: Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo hospital, education Hospital of Hasanuddin University, Fatimah, and Sitti Khadijah 1 Mothers and Children hospital. Serum blood samples were taken from the antecubital venous blood Assessment of serum l-arginine levels was carried out using the Human l-Arginine Assay Kit.

Results

There were significant mean differences between normal, severe preeclampsia and severe preeclampsia with complications. The lowest serum levels of l-arginine were severe preeclampsia with complications (28.33 ng/mL), then severe preeclampsia group (34.66 ng/mL), and the highest was normal pregnant woman (60.91 ng/mL).

Conclusion

Severe preeclampsia with complications had the lowest l-arginine level. Role l-arginine level should be considered in the prevention and treatment of severe preeclampsia.