Evaluation of total oxidant level-total antioxidant capacity-oxidative stress index values in pregnancies complicated with hydrocephalus and neural tube defects

Hydrocephalus and neural tube defects, are both severe central neural system anomalies, can be diagnosed during intrauterin period by Ultrasonography. Some of these pregnancies results with exitus in intrauterin period or shortly after the labor. On the other hand severe morbidities may develop on the viabl fetuses. Clinicians and the family may decide for termination of pregnancy for severe forms of these fetal anomalies. Several factors were accused about etiology but, non of them is certain. This study aims to contribute the determination of certain etiolgy, and developing profilactic methods. In the study, 32 pregnants, between 16-20 weeks who have fetal NTD or persisting hydrocephalus, compared with the normal pregnancies. In these two groups, total oxidant-antioxidant status and oksidatif stres index values are compared.Total antioxidant status of maternal blood was lower in patients than the controls, but not statistically significant (p=0.30).TOS and OSI values were significantly higher in the amniotic fluids of patients than the controls (p=0.56 for TOS; p=0.37 for OSI).In amniotic fluid of patients group TOS and OSI values are higher than control groups statistically significant (p=0.036 for TOS; p=0.005 for OSI). TAS was significantly lower in patient group?s amniotic fluid than the control group?s (p=0.019).The differences between maternal blood and amniotic fluid may be releated with the effect of powerful antioxidant plasental barrier.Outcomes of this study may be the causes or the results of defined fetal anomalies. Under these circumstances more extended randomized, case controlled studies are required to clarify these possibilities.Key Words: Hydrocephalus, Neural tube defects, Total oxidant status, Total antioxidant status, Amniocentesis.