Potential role of ascorbic acid and beta-carotene in the prevention of preterm rupture of fetal membranes
Barrett, B.M.; Sowell, A.; Gunter, E.; Wang, M.
International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research. Internationale Zeitschrift für Vitamin- und Ernahrungsforschung. Journal International de Vitaminologie et de Nutrition 64(3): 192-197
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-9831 PMID: 7814234 Document Number: 429410
The association of antioxidant vitamins in serum and amniotic fluid with preterm rupture of fetal membrane (PROM) was examined. Amniotic fluid and venous blood specimens from 80 pregnant women with or without PROM were analyzed for ascorbic acid (ASA), alpha-tocopherol, retinol and beta-carotene concentrations. No differences in retinol and alpha-tocopherol in amniotic fluid or serum concentrations were found between the PROM and control groups. PROM and control subjects had similar serum ASA concentrations. However, PROM subjects had lower amniotic fluid ASA concentrations (p < 0.0001) and lower ratios of amniotic fluid ASA to serum ASA concentration than those of controls. Serum beta-carotene levels were lower in PROM group than control group (p = 0.025). The findings suggest that a low level of ASA in amniotic fluid but not serum appears to be an important determinant of PROM. beta-Carotene and ASA may act synergistically to prevent PROM in smokers.