Can we use neopterin as marker of viral infections in pregnant women with symptoms of imminent spontaneous abortion?

Abstract

Purpose. To find out if determination of neopterin can be used for the detection of viral infections in pregnant women with symptoms of imminent spontaneous abortion.

Methods. Eighty-eight pregnant women with symptoms of imminent spontaneous abortion (investigated group) and 88 healthy pregnant women were evaluated (control group). Neopterin level and IgM and IgG antibodies for eight viruses in the blood were determined.

Results. Parvo B19 virus and elevated neopterin values were found in significantly higher number in investigated group than in control. There was no correlation between women with acute ParvoB19 infection and elevated neopterin level.

Conclusions. The determination of neopterin in the sera cannot be used for screening of viral infections in pregnancy.

Keywords:

• Neopterin
• viral infection
• spontaneous abortion

Acknowledgements

The work was supported by the grant The Provincial Secretariat for Science and Technological Development of Vojvodina (Grant No. 114-451-00592).