THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ELEVATED HOMOCYSTEINE LEVELS IN FETAL DEVELOPMENT DISRUPTION

Elevated serum homocysteine levels (hyperhomocysteinemia) represent a significant risk factor for fetal developmental disorders during pregnancy. High concentrations of homocysteine exert a toxic effect on the vascular endothelium, lead to impaired placental circulation, increase the risk of thrombophilic complications, and can cause neural tube defects, intrauterine growth restriction, preeclampsia, and even pregnancy loss. This article discusses the pathogenetic mechanisms of hyperhomocysteinemia's effect on embryogenesis, the clinical consequences for the fetus, and current methods for diagnosing and correcting this condition, including the use of folic acid, B vitamins, and anticoagulant therapy, with an emphasis on data from the last five years.