Abstract

Background: TNF – α, a cytokine of a generalized intravascular inflammatory reaction, has been also shown to cause microvascular protein leakage and hypertrygliceridemia which are associated with pre-eclampsia. Increased serum uric acid is also associated with hypertension.

Aims & Objective: To study the relationship between Tumour Necrosis Factor – alpha (TNF – α) with uric acid and to access the role of TNF – α as a determinant of Pre-eclampsia in women.

Material and Methods: 100 patients with pre-eclampsia were studied out of which 50 were mild and 50 were severe pre-eclamptics. They were compared with 50 healthy subjects. Subjects were of similar gestational age, body mass index (BMI) and parity matched. They were all primigravidas at third trimester of pregnancy.

Results: All studied subjects belonged to age group 28-40 years. The difference in mean age of healthy subjects and pre-eclamptics was non-significant (P=0.8). BMI values were ranged from 18-43 kg/m2. No significant difference was observed between healthy pregnant women and pre-eclamptics. Serum TNF – α co-related significantly with Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) and Uric acid levels. The association of TNF – α with uric acid was considerably significant compared to its association with other variables. The result showed that TNF – α is a strong determinant of preeclampsia.

Conclusion: A co-relation exists between TNF – α and uric acid. The observed co-relation indicates that monitoring TNF – α and uric acid levels in Pre-eclamptic women might serve to help prevent the development of pre-eclampsia in pregnant women.

Key words: Pre-eclampsia, TNF – α, Mean arterial pressure.