Placental CoQ10 levels in HELLP syndrome

Abdelazim and AbuFaza ELLP syndrome as a variant of HELLP syndrome: Case reports

Background:

The hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome is a serious complication in pregnancy occurring in 0.5–0.9% of all pregnancies and in 10–20% of cases with severe pre-eclampsia. Previous studies described HELLP syndrome without hemolysis without any further details.

Objectives:

This report represents the criteria for the diagnosis of Abdelazim and AbuFaza elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count (ELLP) syndrome as a variant of HELLP syndrome.

Case Reports:

A 39-year-old woman, pregnant 32 weeks’ gestation, previous five cesarean sections, admitted with severe pre-eclampsia (blood pressure 160/110 mmHg, proteinuria +3, 700 mg proteins/24 h urine, and protein/creatinine ratio ≥0.9 in spot urine sample). Laboratory investigation showed elevated liver enzymes, low platelet (PLT) count, and no evidence of hemolysis. A 31-year-old woman, pregnant 33⁺⁴ weeks’ gestation, previous one cesarean section, admitted with severe pre-eclampsia (blood pressure 170/120 mmHg, proteinuria +2, 1200 mg proteins/24 h urine, and protein/creatinine ratio 1.1 in spot urine sample). Laboratory investigations showed elevated liver enzymes, low PLT count, and no evidence of hemolysis. Both patients delivered by cesarean section after stabilization of their blood pressure and dexamethasone for induction of fetal lung maturity and MgSO₄ for prevention of eclampsia. Both patients had uneventful intraoperative and postoperative stay in the hospital. The liver enzymes and the PLT count were completely normal on the 5^th postoperative day, and they were discharged from the hospital in good general condition.

Conclusion:

Abdelazim and AbuFaza ELLP syndrome is variant of HELLP syndrome without hemolysis in women with severe pre-eclampsia. Abdelazim and AbuFaza ELLP syndrome diagnostic criteria are as follows: (1) Elevated liver enzymes; (2) Low PLT count; and (3) Absence of hemolysis (normal total and unconjugated bilirubin, absence of schizocytes, and polychromatic red cells in peripheral blood smear, and normal reticulocyte count).

Pathological conditions involving extracellular hemoglobin: molecular mechanisms, clinical significance, and novel therapeutic opportunities for α(1)-microglobulin

Hemoglobin (Hb) is the major oxygen (O(2))-carrying system of the blood but has many potentially dangerous side effects due to oxidation and reduction reactions of the heme-bound iron and O(2). Extracellular Hb, resulting from hemolysis or exogenous infusion, is shown to be an important pathogenic factor in a growing number of diseases. This review briefly outlines the oxidative/reductive toxic reactions of Hb and its metabolites. It also describes physiological protection mechanisms that have evolved against extracellular Hb, with a focus on the most recently discovered: the heme- and radical-binding protein α(1)-microglobulin (A1M). This protein is found in all vertebrates, including man, and operates by rapidly clearing cytosols and extravascular fluids of heme groups and free radicals released from Hb. Five groups of pathological conditions with high concentrations of extracellular Hb are described: hemolytic anemias and transfusion reactions, the pregnancy complication pre-eclampsia, cerebral intraventricular hemorrhage of premature infants, chronic inflammatory leg ulcers, and infusion of Hb-based O(2) carriers as blood substitutes. Finally, possible treatments of these conditions are discussed, giving a special attention to the described protective effects of A1M.

Positive correlation between maternal serum coenzyme Q10 levels and infant birth weight

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the level of maternal serum coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which is a lipid-soluble antioxidant, maternal body weight gain, fat mass gain, and infant birth weight. A longitudinal observational study was conducted with 50 healthy pregnant women (average age: 31.1 years, average body mass index (BMI): 21.3 kg/m(2) at prepregnancy) at each trimester. CoQ10 levels were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. Maternal weight and body composition were measured by a bioelectrical impedance analysis. The CoQ10 levels significantly increased throughout pregnancy from the first trimester to the third trimester (P < 0.001), and correlated with not only the serum cholesterol levels (P < 0.01) but also with the serum acetoacetic acid levels (P < 0.05) in the third trimester. The CoQ10 levels correlated with the maternal weight gain (P < 0.05) and fat mass gain (P < 0.05) from the second to the third trimester, after adjusting for lipid markers, age, and smoking habits. The level of CoQ10 during the third trimester was also significantly associated with the infant birth weight (P < 0.05) after adjusting for gestational age, maternal prepregnancy BMI, and smoking habits. Therefore, it is concluded that the level of maternal CoQ10 is positively associated with fetal growth, balancing rapid metabolic changes in the last half of a normal pregnancy.

The HELLP syndrome: clinical issues and management. A Review

BACKGROUND

The HELLP syndrome is a serious complication in pregnancy characterized by haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count occurring in 0.5 to 0.9% of all pregnancies and in 10-20% of cases with severe preeclampsia. The present review highlights occurrence, diagnosis, complications, surveillance, corticosteroid treatment, mode of delivery and risk of recurrence.

METHODS

Clinical reports and reviews published between 2000 and 2008 were screened using Pub Med and Cochrane databases.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

About 70% of the cases develop before delivery, the majority between the 27th and 37th gestational weeks; the remainder within 48 hours after delivery. The HELLP syndrome may be complete or incomplete. In the Tennessee Classification System diagnostic criteria for HELLP are haemolysis with increased LDH (> 600 U/L), AST (>or= 70 U/L), and platelets < 100 x 10(9)/L. The Mississippi Triple-class HELLP System further classifies the disorder by the nadir platelet counts. The syndrome is a progressive condition and serious complications are frequent. Conservative treatment (>or= 48 hours) is controversial but may be considered in selected cases < 34 weeks' gestation. Delivery is indicated if the HELLP syndrome occurs after the 34th gestational week or the foetal and/or maternal conditions deteriorate. Vaginal delivery is preferable. If the cervix is unfavourable, it is reasonable to induce cervical ripening and then labour. In gestational ages between 24 and 34 weeks most authors prefer a single course of corticosteroid therapy for foetal lung maturation, either 2 doses of 12 mg betamethasone 24 hours apart or 6 mg or dexamethasone 12 hours apart before delivery. Standard corticosteroid treatment is, however, of uncertain clinical value in the maternal HELLP syndrome. High-dose treatment and repeated doses should be avoided for fear of long-term adverse effects on the foetal brain. Before 34 weeks' gestation, delivery should be performed if the maternal condition worsens or signs of intrauterine foetal distress occur. Blood pressure should be kept below 155/105 mmHg. Close surveillance of the mother should be continued for at least 48 hours after delivery.

Coenzyme Q10 levels in women with preeclampsia living at different altitudes

BACKGROUND

Preeclampsia is a common disorder of pregnancy exhibiting abnormal plasma and placental coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) levels when compared to normal pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate CoQ10 levels both in plasma and placenta among normal pregnant (n = 60) and preeclamptic (n = 63) primigravid women and determine the effect of high or low altitude residency.

STUDY DESIGN

CoQ10 was determined using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) technique and group comparisons were performed.

RESULTS

Preeclamptic women living at high altitude displayed significantly lower CoQ10 plasma levels (0.64 +/- 0.23 vs. 0.82 +/- 0.46 micromol/L, p = 0.05). No differences were found in CoQ10 plasma levels among women living at sea level. Interestingly, plasma CoQ10 levels at low altitude in normal pregnancies were significantly lower than high altitude normal pregnancies. Compared to normal pregnancies, preeclamptic women displayed higher placental CoQ10 content, which was only significant among those living at sea level (0.120 +/- 0.07 vs. 0.076 +/- 0.04 ng/mg protein, p < 0.005). Normal pregnant women living at high altitude displayed higher placental CoQ10 content when compared to those residing at sea level (p < 0.0005).

CONCLUSION

Women suffering from preeclampsia (high or low altitude) display high placental CoQ10 content, with significant low plasma CoQ10 levels among those residing in high altitude. More research is warranted to establish the cause-effect relationship between CoQ10 levels and preeclampsia.