The Effect of Metformin in Preventing of Superimposed Preeclampsia: a Randomized Clinical Trial

Background & Objective: Preeclampsia is associated with the release of soluble endoglin (sENG) into the maternal circulation. It inhibits sENG secretion, inhibiting the complex I of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Therefore, using metformin may be helpful in the prevention of preeclampsia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of metformin in preventing superimposed preeclampsia. Materials & Methods: This single-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on ۶۰ pregnant women ۲۵-۴۰ years old with chronic hypertension before the ۲۰th week of pregnancy. The patients were randomized and divided into two groups (n=۳۰). The first group received ۱۰۰۰ mg metformin (tablet metformin ۵۰۰ mg bid), and the second group received a placebo (۲ tablets daily). Then the incidence of preeclampsia and intrauterine retardation growth of the fetus were compared in the two groups. Results: The metformin consumption significantly reduced the incidence of preeclampsia (P=۰.۰۴) and intrauterine growth restriction (P=۰.۰۳۵) compared to the control group. Conclusion: Metformin effectively reduced the incidence of superimposed preeclampsia and related factors in a pregnant patient with chronic hypertension.

Keywords:

Chronic Hypertension , Metformin , Pregnancy , Superimposed Preeclampsia