Comparison of blood levels of vitamin A, beta-carotene and vitamin E in abruptio placentae with normal pregnancy.

Levels of vitamin A, beta-carotene and vitamin E in peripheral venous blood of women in abruptio placentae and in normal pregnancy have been compared. Chemical methods were used for the estimation of these compounds. The results show that levels of all three compounds in abruptio placentae are lower than those found in the normal pregnancy. We have earlier shown that levels of ascorbic acid in these subjects are low while other studies have indicated that levels of folic acid in them are also low. Based on our present and earlier published work it is suggested that abruptio placentae is a condition with multiple vitamin deficiency. Whether this is its cause or effect is however not clear.