Plasma retinol, beta-carotene and vitamin E levels in relation to the future risk of pre-eclampsia.

20 healthy primigravidas were studied from 28 weeks' gestation until 4 days after delivery. In 9 of these women pre-eclampsia developed, the remaining 11 subjects who were age-matched had normal pregnancies. Plasma retinol, beta-carotene and vitamin E concentrations were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. The concentrations of retinol and vitamin E were significantly lower in the pre-eclampsia group than in the normotensive group at 28 weeks' gestation--that is before the onset of symptoms and signs of pre-eclampsia. The concentrations of retinol and vitamin E remained significantly lower in the pre-eclampsia group until delivery. It is suggested that measurement of the retinol or vitamin E concentration in plasma may be useful as a predictor of the likely development of pre-eclampsia.