Objective: To investigate a possible relationship between a deficiency in serum selenium concentration and first trimester miscarriage.
Design: An observational study.
Setting: A teaching hospital in South Wales.
Participants and methods: Serum selenium, albumin and total protein concentration were measured in 40 women admitted with first trimester nonrecurrent miscarriage. The results were compared with an equal number of age-matched nonpregnant healthy volunteers, and also from 40 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic for booking in the first trimester.
Results: A reduction in serum selenium normally occurs in the first trimester of pregnancies that progress to term. However, a further statistically highly significant decrease in serum selenium was observed in those women who miscarried.
Conclusion: Further studies are required to assess the potential benefits of selenium supplements.