Effect of lycopene on pre-eclampsia and intra-uterine growth retardation in primigravidas
Sharma, J.B.; Kumar, A.; Kumar, A.; Malhotra, M.; Arora, R.; Prasad, S.; Batra, S.
International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics the Official Organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics 81(3): 257-262
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0020-7292 PMID: 12767566 DOI: 10.1016/s0020-7292(03)00040-7Document Number: 249318
To observe the effect of the antioxidant lycopene on the occurrence of pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth retardation in primigravida women. A total of 251 primigravida women were enrolled in this prospective, randomized controlled study in the second trimester. A total of 116 women were given oral lycopene (Group I) in a dose of 2 mg twice daily while 135 women were given a placebo (Group II) in the same dose until delivery. The criteria for recruitment included gestational age of 16-20 weeks, singleton pregnancy, absence of any medical complication and willingness on the part of the women to participate in the study. The women were followed-up until delivery for development of pre-eclampsia, mode of delivery and fetal outcome. The two groups were comparable in their maternal characteristics. Pre-eclampsia developed in significantly less women in the lycopene group than in the placebo group (8.6% vs. 17.7%, P=0.043 by chi-square test). Mean diastolic blood pressure was significantly higher in the placebo group (92.2+/-5.98 mmHg vs. 86.7+/-3.80 mmHg, P=0.012). Mean fetal weight was significantly higher in the lycopene group (2751.17+/-315.76 g vs. 2657+/-444.30 g, P=0.049). The incidence of intrauterine growth retardation was significantly lower in the lycopene group than in the placebo group (12% vs. 23.7%, P=0.033). The results of the present study suggest that the antioxidant lycopene reduces the development of pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth retardation in primigravida women.