Serum Calcium and Magnesium Levels in Women Presenting With Pre- Eclampsia, a Case Control Study in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Background: Pre-eclampsia is one of the major causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The aim of the present study was to find out the relationship of serum levels of calcium and magnesium in mild and severe pre-eclampsia and compared to normal pregnancies. Recent studies indicate that serum levels of calcium and magnesium may have a role in pre-eclampsia. Study Design: The study was done in King George Hospital, Visakhapatnam in North Coastal Andhra, India. Materials and Methods: The blood samples from 50 normal pregnant women taken as controls and 40 cases of mild pre-eclampsia and 10 cases of severe pre-eclampsia were analysed for calcium and magnesium levels. Results: The mean serum calcium concentration in mild pre-eclampsia was 8.66 ± 0.43 mg/dl and in severe preeclampsia was 7.84 ± 0.47 mg/dl Vs 9.40± 0.43 mg/dl in controls with a significant p <0.001. The mean serum magnesium concentration in mild pre eclampsia was1.68 ± 0.195 mg/dl and in severe pre-eclampsia was 1.55 ± 0.190 mg/dl Vs 2.10± 0.206 mg/dl in controls with a significant p<0.001. Conclusion: Pre-eclampsia is associated with hypocalcaemia and hypomagnesaemia. Intake of supplements, mainly calcium may help in the reduction of incidence of pre-eclampsia especially in a developing country like India.