The effects of 3g eicosapentaenoic acid daily on recurrence of intrauterine growth retardation and pregnancy induced hypertension.

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of addition of 3 g eicosapentaenoic acid daily to the diet, on recurrence rate of intrauterine growth retardation and pregnancy induced hypertension in a high risk population.

DESIGN

Prospective, double blind, randomised multicentre study. Eicosapentaenoic acid or placebo were given from 12 to 14 weeks of gestation onwards.

SETTING

University Hospital and regional hospitals in the north of the Netherlands.

SUBJECTS: Sixty-three women with a history of intrauterine growth retardation (birthweight < 10th centile) with or without pregnancy induced hypertension in the previous pregnancy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Birthweight centiles and signs of pregnancy induced hypertension in current pregnancy.

RESULTS

One-third of the women developed pregnancy induced hypertension and one-third of the infants had a birthweight below the 10th centile. There were no differences between eicosapentaenoic acid and placebo group.

CONCLUSION

Addition of 3 g eicosapentaenoic acid daily does not prevent recurrence of intrauterine growth retardation or pregnancy induced hypertension in a high risk population.