Serum levels of activin A and inhibin A are not related to the increased susceptibility to pre-eclampsia in type I diabetic pregnancies

Background. Activin A and inhibin A have been found to be elevated in women without diabetes subsequently developing pre-eclampsia. The aim was to investigate whether activin A and inhibin A in serum were elevated in type I diabetic women after developing pre-eclampsia and, if so, were they clinically useful as predictors of pre-eclampsia. Methods. In a prospective study, maternal serum was analyzed for activin A and inhibin A in 115 women with type 1 diabetes at 10, 14, 22, 28, and 33 weeks of gestation. Results. Fourteen women (12%) developed pre-eclampsia ( 26 - 37 weeks of gestation) and 101 did not. The two groups were comparable regarding age, body mass index, and diabetes duration. There was no difference between serum concentrations of activin A and inhibin A in women developing pre-eclampsia and women who did not at any gestational period. Conclusions. Serum concentrations of activin A and inhibin A could not predict pre-eclampsia in type I diabetes.