Exploring the Complex Interplay of Trace Elements and Their Association with the Risk of Development of Pre-eclampsia in Pregnancy: a Case-Control.

Abstract

Pre-eclampsia, a hypertensive disorder occurring during pregnancy, poses significant risks to maternal and fetal health worldwide. Despite extensive research, the precise cause of pre-eclampsia remains unknown. Recent studies have indicated that trace elements, essential minerals crucial for various biological processes, might be significant factors in the development of pre-eclampsia. This study examines the intricate relationship between trace elements (magnesium, copper, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, and iron) and the severity of pre-eclampsia. The study involves a total of 150 participants, categorized into three distinct groups: 50 individuals with mild pre-eclampsia, 50 with severe pre-eclampsia, and 50 healthy pregnant controls. Specifically, out of the 100 pre-eclampsia cases, 5 were identified as early-onset and 95 as late-onset. Participants were recruited from a tertiary care hospital based on stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria. All the trace elements were quantitatively measured by direct colorimetric method using the Beckman Coulter AU480 analyzer system (Beckman Coulter, USA). Pre-eclampsia cases exhibited a significantly lowered level of magnesium (2.02 mg/dL), zinc (57.62 mg/dL), calcium (8.02 mg/dL), and phosphorus (3.93 mg/dL). These levels were approximately 14.4%, 20.2%, 21.1%, and 22.6% lower when compared to healthy pregnant women. Conversely, copper (151.67 mg/dL) and iron (53 μg/dL) levels were significantly elevated in pre-eclampsia cases. Age emerged as a significant risk factor, correlating with heightened pre-eclampsia susceptibility. Magnesium showed a protective effect, correlating negatively with age and positively with gestational age. The complex relationships between trace elements, age, and pre-eclampsia underline the need for personalized interventions, potentially including magnesium supplementation, in high-risk pregnancies.