Abstract
Aim: Preeclampsia is characterized by development of high blood pressure and proteinuria. It affects 5-8% of all pregnancies and is a major contributor to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. There is no single test that fulfills all the criteria for a good predictor of preeclampsia and associated hepatic dysfunction. The present study was therefore undertaken to assess the role of liver enzymes as marker in prediction of preeclampsia. Material and Method: The study comprised of 120 pregnant women divided into three groups: normal pregnant women, women with high risk of preeclampsia and women with preeclampsia. Serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP and LDH were analyzed and comparison of clinical characteristics and biochemical parameters of cases with control was performed by t-test followed by one way ANOVA. Results: There was significant increase (p<0.001) in the levels of serum ALT and ALP in preeclampsia group compared to control and between high risk and PET group. Levels of AST also increased significantly (p<0.05) when preeclamptic group was compared with control and high risk group. Discussion: The study concludes that increase in liver enzymes in high risk group and PET group resulted due to hepatic dysfunction or abnormal liver functioning and may acts as predictor in diagnosis of preeclampsia in early stages of pregnancy.