Serum Xanthine Oxidase in Normal and Abnormal Pregnancy

Abstract

Serum xanthine oxidase was studied in the various stages of pregnancy and in lactation. Normal levels of the enzyme were observed in normal pregnancy and in 8 out of 10 women with essential hypertension. A high level of serum xanthine oxidase occurred in 13 of 31 lactating women and in 12 of 28 pregnant women with toxemia. Serum transaminase levels were measured in all cases and did not correlate with xanthine oxidase levels.

Serum Xanthine Oxidase and Liver Disease

“…A slightly increased SXO may occur in lactating women; this may be related to the high concentration of xanthine oxidase in milk. The serum levels rise also in toxemia of pregnancy [13], The increase of SXO in the immediate post-operative period, found by D agher et al [6], is another example of its sensitivity as a test for liver injury.…”