Coenzyme Q10 fetal plasma levels

Objective: This study aims at determining a cutoff value differentiating the fetal from the adult coenzyme Q10(CoQ10) values and comparing substantial increases in CoQ10 plasma levels in fetuses with hypoxic hypoxia and nonimmune fetal hydrops. Methods: We have selected 61 pregnancies and determined the CoQ10 levels in fetal and maternal samples obtained by cordocentesis. Our study included a control group and pregnancies with intrauterine growth retardation, Rh isoimmunization, nonimmune fetal hydrops, and fetal malformations. Results: To differentiate the fetal from the adult values we have set 0.3 mg/ml as the cutoff value. The CoQ10 were higher only in fetuses with hypoxic hypoxia and nonimmune hydrops. Conclusion: Normal fetal CoQ10 plasma levels are lower than 0.3 mg/ml.