Study Title: Antenatal glutathione and superoxide dismutase estimation for prediction of preeclampsia Introduction: Pre-eclampsia is still a significant cause of foeto-maternal morbidity and mortality in our environment. Exaggerated oxidative stress is a characteristic of this disease and studies have shown altered levels of antioxidants in patients with pre-eclampsia. Current research is being directed towards identification of effective screening tools and predictors. The role of antioxidants in predicting the onset of pre-eclampsia among Nigerian women is therefore being evaluated in this dissertation. Objectives: The primary objective was to determine the value of plasma glutathione and superoxide dismutase estimation for prediction of clinical onset of pre-eclampsia in women with pregnancies less than 20 weeks. The specific objectives were as follows: 1. To determine the mean plasma glutathione and superoxide dismutase levels among women presenting for booking at less than 20 weeks gestation in Ibadan. 2. To evaluate the change between plasma glutathione and superoxide dismutase levels in the first/early second trimester and at onset of pre-eclampsia or delivery. 3. To determine the plasma glutathione and superoxide dismutase levels at which preeclampsia occurs. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study conducted in the antenatal clinic and labour ward of the University College Hospital, Ibadan. One hundred and sixty six women with pregnancies <20 weeks of gestation were recruited at booking for antenatal care. A structured proforma was utilised to extract socio-demographic, obstetric, medical and drug history. Their plasma antioxidant levelsglutathione (GLU) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined and this cohort was followed longitudinally. A repeat assessment of these enzymatic antioxidants was done on presentation in labour, before caesarean delivery or at the point of clinical evidence of pre-eclampsia, whichever came first. Data entry and analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (SPSS), version 16. The level of significance for significant associations was p<0.05.