tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is degraded by several enzymes, including BH4 oxidase and peroxidases. Several factors can affect its synthesis and degradation. BH4 deficiency or depletion and genetic variations in the genes involved in BH4 metabolism have been associated with hypertension, suggesting that BH4 may play a role in the pathogenesis of hypertension. The maternity center of Tunis ( CMNT ) is a level 3 maternity center, supporting over 12 000 births yearly, where the caesarean section's rate is very high, close to 45% of deliveries. Early detection of these patients can help control maternal and neonatal safety outcomes. we can avoid complications such as severe preeclampsia, HELLP syndrom and eclampsia for the mother, and preterm delievery and fetal growth restriction for the new born. in the literature, studies have reported a decrease in BH4 levels in pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women and others showed that its deficiency or depletion has been associated with hypertension. Moreover, tetrahydrobiopterin administration has been studied as a potential treatment for preeclampsia but the optimal dose has not yet been determined, and further studies are needed to determine the appropriate dose, timing, and duration of BH4 supplementation in this context. Thus, BH4 blood levels as a mean of screening, could enrich our diagnostic arsenal. The purpose of our study is to compare BH4 levels between preeclamptic and normotensive women.
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the association between BH4 blood level (ng/mL) and severity of preeclampsia (biological and clinical criteria)
Timeframe: From date of first admission until the date of foetal extraction, starting from 20 weeks of pregnancy to it's end (Maximal time frame : 22 weeks)