Endothelin-1 and leptin as markers of intrauterine growth restriction.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the role of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and leptin in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) among preeclamptic and non-pre-eclamptic women.

METHODS

Forty three patients with a pregnancy complicated by IUGR, 23 cases with severe pre-eclampsia and 20 cases of non-pre-eclamptic were enrolled. Control group comprised 15 cases with uncomplicated pregnancy. Blood samples from umbilical artery and maternal venous blood were collected at the time of delivery for analysis of ET-1 and leptin levels. Mode of delivery, birth weight and Apgar score were also recorded.

RESULTS

The mean maternal and fetal ET-1 level was significantly higher in pregnancies complicated by IUGR than in control group. The mean maternal leptin level was significantly higher in pre-eclamptic patients when compared to non-preeclamptic and control groups. Mean fetal leptin level was significantly lower in patients compared to control; however, when fetal leptin corrected to fetal weight, it was insignificantly different in the both groups. E-mail: m. alhaggar@yahoo.co.uk.

CONCLUSION

Maternal plasma ET-1 and leptin correlate with the degree of fetal growth restriction originating from deterioration of placental function. Maternal plasma leptin and ET-1 levels may reflect deterioration in fetal growth.