Decreased serum homocysteine in pregnancy.
Total serum homocysteine was found to be significantly decreased in the first trimester of pregnancy, became maximal in the second trimester (about 50% compared with non-pregnant women), whereafter the concentration remained stable throughout the remainder of pregnancy. A return to normal concentrations was seen within 2-4 days post partum. Possible reasons for the decrease of serum homocysteine in pregnancy could be haemodilution and increased remethylation of homocysteine due to increased demands for methionine by the foetus.
Andersson
A
A
Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
Hultberg
B
B
Brattström
L
L
Isaksson
A
A
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000097:blood*
D006710:Homocysteine