Changes of serum homocysteine levels during pregnancy and the establishment of reference intervals in pregnant Chinese women

摘要

Backgroud: Reference intervals (RIs) of clinical laboratory indexes are important basis for interpretation of corresponding test results. While elevated homocysteine (HCY) level is a risk factor of some severe gestational diseases, HCY RIs for pregnant women have not been reported so far. The current use of HCY RIs established for general population in pregnant women may challenge clinicians' judgment. This study aims to investigate the changes of serum HCY levels during pregnancy and establish the RIs of serum HCY in healthy pregnant Chinese women to provide valuable data to clinicians and enable the provision of more appropriate therapy.