Is Xanthine Oxidase, a Marker in Pre-eclampsia? A Case-Control Study

Pre-eclampsia is an obstetrics problem that affects multiple systemic functions and leads to the increased maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The objective of the study was to evaluate the plasma levels of Xanthine oxidase (XO) activity, uric acid and Nitric oxide (NO) levels in women with pre-eclampsia and normal pregnancy during antenatal and postpartum period.

A case control study was conducted in women with normal pregnancy (n=50) and pre-eclampsia (n=50) before and after delivery. XO activity, uric acid and NO levels were determined from samples at 30-39 weeks of gestation. The current study was conducted in association with Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of R.L. Jalappa Hospital and Research Center. The blood samples were analysed for assay of XO, uric acid and NO. The results were analysed by using SPSS software version 2013. P-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

The plasma XO activity was elevated (p<0.001) in the pre-eclampsia compared to normotensive pregnant women before delivery and decreased after delivery (p<0.001) significantly. Uric acid level showed a significant increase in pre-eclampsia when compared to the control before delivery (p<0.001) however values were non-significant after delivery.

Placenta plays a key role in the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia. Placenta removal leads to decrease trend of xanthine oxidase activity, uric acid and elevation of Nitric oxide as reversible changes in pre-eclampsia patients within 48 hours after delivery.