Serum vitamin B12 and homocysteine levels in pregnant women with neural tube defect

Abstract

Objective. The aim of the study is to investigate the importance of serum vitamin B12 levels in pregnant women with foetal neural tube defect (NTD).

Study design. This study consists of 31 pregnant women having fetuses with NTD. The pregnant women in the study group were selected among cases with normal folate levels. Serum vitamin B12 levels were investigated. Additionally, complete blood count, serum iron level, iron binding capacity, ferritin, folate, free T₃, free T₄, thyroid stimulating hormone and plasma homocysteine levels were measured. Control group consisted of 32 pregnant women who did not have a history of NTD in previous pregnancies and did not have fetuses with NTD in present pregnancy. NTD was diagnosed between14th and 20th gestational age. The mean gestational age of members of control group was the same as those of NTD group.

Results. There was no statistically significant difference between pregnants with NTD and control group according to number of cases with vitamin B12 deficiency.

Conclusion. It seems that vitamin B12 deficiency does not play a causative role in the development of foetal NTD. Monitoring maternal homocystein levels might be important in understanding the aetiologies of foetal NTD.

Keywords:

• Neural tube defect
• cobalamin
• vitamin B12 deficiency

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.