Vitamins C and E Studied for Prevention of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia, the leading cause of perinatal mortality (death of mother, fetus or newborn), is a disorder of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure and excessive protein in the urine, and it complicates five to seven percent of otherwise healthy pregnancies. Preeclampsia can set in anytime after 20 weeks of pregnancy or up to six weeks after delivery.

Its causes are not entirely known, but it can lead to premature births, learning disabilities, epilepsy, hearing and vision problems, as well as cerebral palsy. Five percent of patients with preeclampsia progress into eclampsia, which can be potentially fatal and involve convulsions and coma.

A recent study considered whether the use of (1000 mg) vitamins C and (400 IU) vitamin E could prevent complications linked to preeclampsia. The study engaged 10,154 women between the 9th and 16th weeks of pregnancy and who were at low risk for preeclampsia. The multi-university led study concluded that vitamin C and E supplementation did not reduce the rate of adverse maternal or perinatal outcomes.

If you, your child or someone you love suffered an injury or death because of a missed diagnosis of preeclampsia, you should contact the medical malpractice attorneys who specialize in cases involving preeclampsia at Berger & Lagnese, headquartered in Pittsburgh, and obtain a free consultation.