Serum total homocysteine level in Iraqi woman with unexplained recurrent Miscarriage

To determine the role of homocysteine in women with recurrent miscarriages of unknown causes.

The case-control study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq, from January 2015 to January 2016, and comprised non-pregnant women who were divided into two groups, with Group 1 having those with history of recurrent miscarriage, and control Group 2 having those with good obstetrical history. Detailed history was taken and the subjects underwent full general, gynaecological exam along with ultrasound and laboratory tests, including total serum homocysteine, B12 and folate. The findings were compared between the two groups using SPSS 20.

Of the 100 women, there were 50(50%) in each of the two groups. The homocysteine level in Group significantly exceeded that of control Group 2 (p<0.001). Both B12 and folate levels in Group 1 decreased significantly in comparison with Group 2 (p<0.001). Homocysteine level showed significant reverse correlation with folate levels in Group 1 (p<0.0001). B12 showed the highest sensitivity 96% and specificity 98% in the detection of cases, while homocysteine showed sensitivity of 84% and specificity 80%.

Serum total homocysteine, B12 and folate levels were significantly associated with recurrent miscarriage in women with unknown causes.