N-acetyl-transferase phenotype and risk for preeclampsia

Objective: This study was undertaken to determine whether the N-acetyltransferase (NAT) phenotype contributes to the susceptibility for the development of preeclampsia. Study design: The NAT acetylator status was determined by measuring urinary caffeine metabolites in 134 nonpregnant women with a history of preeclampsia and in 109 control women with uncomplicated pregnancy. The χ2 and logistic regression analyses were used for statistical evaluation of differences in acetylator status. Results: Significantly more fast acetylators were found among the women with a history of preeclampsia (46.3%) than among the controls (25.4%). Fast acetylators showed an odds ratio of 2.5 (95% CI 1.4-4.3) for preeclampsia. No differences in the acetylator status were found between women with a history of preeclampsia only and those with the HELLP syndrome as well. Conclusion: The fast NAT acetylator status, which may result in altered NAT detoxifaction capacity, is associated with preeclampsia.

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