Ischaemia-modified albumin in preeclampsia: A critical view.

The aim of the study was to compare ischaemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels, both original and corrected, in healthy pregnancies and pregnancies complicated with preeclampsia. Maternal and cord blood samples from study (n = 16) and control (n = 17) groups were collected at the time of delivery. IMA levels were given in absorbance units (ABSU). IMA levels, both original and corrected, were compared between study and control groups. No significant difference was found between maternal and cord blood IMA levels between the study and control groups [1.0 (0.3-3.5) vs 1.2 (0.2-1.4) ABSU, p = .053 and 1.0 (0.1-2.2) vs 0.9 (0.4-3.6) ABSU, p = .382, respectively]. The results were similar for maternal IMA levels, after correction of IMA levels [1.1 (0.3-5.1) vs 1.2 (0.2-1.6) ABSU, p = .292]. IMA is a novel marker for ischaemia, without precise conclusions about its value in preeclampsia. An absolute correction formula, considering all possible intervening factors, is required for more accurate results.