N-acetyl cysteine for treatment of recurrent unexplained pregnancy loss

Reprod Biomed Online. 2008 Nov;17(5):722-6. doi: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)60322-7.

Abstract

Pregnancy could be associated with a state of oxidative stress that could initiate and propagate a cascade of changes that may lead to pregnancy wastage. This process of oxidative stress may be suppressed by the antioxidant effect of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of NAC therapy in patients diagnosed with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). The study was a prospective controlled study performed in the Women's Health Centre, Assiut University, Egypt. A group of 80 patients with history of recurrent unexplained pregnancy loss were treated with NAC 0.6 g + folic acid 500 microg/day and compared with an aged-matched group of 86 patients treated with folic acid 500 microg/day alone. NAC + folic acid compared with folic acid alone caused a significantly increased rate of continuation of a living pregnancy up to and beyond 20 weeks [P < 0.002, relative risk (RR) 2.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5-5.6]. NAC + folic acid was associated with a significant increase in the take-home baby rate as compared with folic acid alone (P < 0.047, RR 1.98, 95% CI 1.3-4.0). In conclusion, NAC is a well-tolerated drug that could be a potentially effective treatment in patients with unexplained RPL.

Publication types

  • Controlled Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Habitual / drug therapy*
  • Abortion, Habitual / etiology
  • Abortion, Habitual / metabolism
  • Acetylcysteine / therapeutic use*
  • Adult
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Prospective Studies
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Acetylcysteine