title: Selenium deficiency and miscarriage: a possible link?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate a possible relationship between a deficiency in serum selenium concentration and first trimester miscarriage.
  
  
  METHODS
  An observational study.
  
  
  METHODS
  A teaching hospital in South Wales.
  
  
  METHODS
  Serum selenium, albumin and total protein concentration were measured in 40 women admitted with first trimester nonrecurrent miscarriage. The results were compared with an equal number of age-matched nonpregnant healthy volunteers, and also from 40 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic for booking in the first trimester.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A reduction in serum selenium normally occurs in the first trimester of pregnancies that progress to term. However, a further statistically highly significant decrease in serum selenium was observed in those women who miscarried.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Further studies are required to assess the potential benefits of selenium supplements.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Llandough Hospital, Penarth, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Barrington
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lindsay
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: James
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Roberts
mesh_terms: D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000209:etiology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D012643:Selenium / Q000172:deficiency*; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D001798:Blood Proteins; D012709:Serum Albumin; D012643:Selenium