IJSR International Journal of Scientific Research 2277 - 8179 Indian Society for Health and Advanced Research ijsr-8-11-23217 Original Research Paper Comparison of Serum antioxidant (Ascorbic acid and Tocopherol) levels in antenatal women with and without preterm premature rupture of membranes. Singh Dr. Uma Singh Dr. Pushplata Sankhwar Dr. November 2019 8 11 01 02 ABSTRACT

Background :Preterm premature rupture of membrane (PPROM) is a global contributor to pre–term births and associated maternal morbidity and perinatal morbidity and mortality . The exact cause of PPROM is unknown .Several studies point towards Reactive oxygen species (ROS) as major contributor and in vitro studies have proved that antioxidants like Ascorbic acid and To–copherol have synergistic protective effect against ROS induced damage. This study hypothesized that PPROM occurs due to decline in these antioxidant levels. Method :97 antenatal women with PPROM were selected from 5672 antenatal women admit–ted during a period of one year at our tertiary care teaching hospital . S. Ascorbic acid was esti–mated in 60 cases and 100 controls while S . Tocopherol levels in 55 cases (60 controls ) by method of Omaye et al and modified method of Omu et al. respectively. Results: Incidence of PPROM in the study was 1.7 % . The mean S. Ascorbic acid in cases was 0.726 mg/dl which was significantly lower than the mean value of controls (1.434 mg/dl). The mean value of S. Tocopherol in cases was 0.248 mg/dl which was also significantly lower than the mean value of 0.515 mg/dl among controls. It was observed that S. Ascorbic acid levels were significantly higher among women with longer leaking–delivery interval. Conclusion :Serum levels of both ascorbic acid and tocopherol were found to be significantly lower in pregnant women with preterm premature rupture of membranes