Coenzyme Q10 Levels in Amniotic Fluid Lower in Women Who Delivered Pre-term.

In a pilot study involving 72 women admitted for labor with singleton live gestations and intact membranes (preterm n=27 and term n=45), levels of coenzyme Q10 in the amniotic fluid were nearly 10-fold lower than levels found in the maternal plasma, with significantly lower levels found in women who delivered preterm (0.050 vs 0.062 mmol/L). A significant correlation was found between amniotic fluid coenzyme Q10 levels and neonatal gestational age. The authors state, "This is the first study to assess CoQ10 levels in amniotic fluid during pregnancy in which levels were significantly lower among those delivering preterm. More research is warranted in this regard." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]