Polymorphisms of the angiotensin converting enzyme gene in early-onset and late-onset pre-eclampsia.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate differences in maternal and infant ACE genotypes in early-onset and later-onset pre-eclampsia/toxemia (PET).

Methods: We conducted a case-control study of 22 cases of early-onset pre-eclampsia (before 34 weeks gestation), 38 cases of later-onset pre-eclampsia (after 34 weeks gestation), and 108 healthy controls delivered at term (38-40 weeks gestation) within a stable Caucasian population. Maternal venous blood and cord bloods were obtained for serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity, ACE genotype, and acid-base status.