The effects of 3g eicosapentaenoic acid daily on recurrence of intrauterine growth retardation and pregnancy induced hypertension

Abstract

Objective: To study the effects of addition of 3 g eicosapentaenoic acid daily to the diet, on recurrence rate of intrauterine growth retardation and pregnancy induced hypertension in a high risk population.

Design: Prospective, double blind, randomised multicentre study. Eicosapentaenoic acid or placebo were given from 12 to 14 weeks of gestation onwards.

Setting: University Hospital and regional hospitals in the north of the Netherlands.

Subjects: Sixty-three women with a history of intrauterine growth retardation (birthweight < 10th centile) with or without pregnancy induced hypertension in the previous pregnancy.

Main outcome measures: Birthweight centiles and signs of pregnancy induced hypertension in current pregnancy.

Results: One-third of the women developed pregnancy induced hypertension and one-third of the infants had a birthweight below the 10th centile. There were no differences between eicosapentaenoic acid and placebo group.

Conclusion: Addition of 3 g eicosapentaenoic acid daily does not prevent recurrence of intrauterine growth retardation or pregnancy induced hypertension in a high risk population.