Maternal Serum Magnesium Levels Research Articles

Association of Postpartum Depression with Maternal Serum Magnesium Levels, Infant Growth, and Neurodevelopmental Indices.

Postpartum depression (PPD) can exert both short-term and long-term effects on a child's health. Offspring born to mothers who suffer from PPD face an elevated susceptibility to encountering psychological disturbances and developmental delays. Moreover, there has been conjecture surrounding a plausible connection between maternal magnesium (Mg) levels and psychiatric manifestations. This study aims to investigate the relationship between maternal Mg levels and PPD and the correlation between PPD and an infant's growth and neurodevelopment at 6 and 12 months. This longitudinal study is a sub-study derived from the "PERSIAN Birth Cohort Study," encompassing 224 mother-infant pairs randomly enlisted during 2019-2020 in Isfahan. Maternal serum magnesium (Mg) levels were measured at 38 weeks of gestation. PPD was evaluated employing the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) four weeks postpartum. Measurements of birth size were undertaken, adhering to standardized protocols at birth, 6 months, and 12 months. Anthropometric parameters and the Persian version of the validated Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) were employed to assess infant neurodevelopmental status at 6 and 12 months. Overall, 22.3% of mothers grappled with PPD. The mean (standard deviation) maternal magnesium levels (Mg) were 1.95 ± 0.23 mg/dL. No statistically significant association was detected between maternal serum magnesium (Mg) levels and the incidence of PPD. Correspondingly, no significant association emerged between PPD and indices of growth. However, a noteworthy distinction materialized in the communication scores of offspring born to depressed and non-depressed mothers following adjustments for confounding variables at 12 months (β = 1.81; 95% confidence interval: 0.32-3.30). Furthermore, a substantial regression in communication skills became apparent between 6 and 12 months. This study failed to establish a significant association between maternal serum magnesium (Mg) levels and PPD. Nevertheless, research lends credence to an inverse correlation between maternal depression and subsequent behavioral difficulties in offspring, such as communication skills. Thus, the imperative nature of screening for PPD should be underscored to facilitate its early detection and intervention, thereby enhancing infant well-being.

Antenatal neuroprotective magnesium sulfate in very preterm infants and its association with feeding intolerance.

Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) treatment is widely used for fetal neuroprotection despite the controversy concerning the side effects. There is limited data regarding the impact of various cumulative maternal doses and neonatal serum magnesium (Mg) levels on short-term neonatal morbidity and mortality. We opted to carry out a study to determine the impact of neonatal serum Mg levels on neonatal outcomes. We conducted this prospective observational study between 2017 and 2021. Antenatal MgSO4 was used for a neuroprotective purpose only during the study period. Inborn preterm infants delivered between 23 and 31 6/7 weeks of gestation were enrolled consecutively. Babies who underwent advanced resuscitation in the delivery room, inotropic treatment due to hemodynamic instability in the first 7 days of life, >12 hours since the discontinuation of maternal MgSO4 treatment, severe anemia, and major congenital/chromosomal anomalies were excluded from the study. The subgroup of babies with serum Mg level at the sixth hour of life underwent an analysis. A neonatal Mg concentration of 2.5mg/dl was used to classify MgSO4-exposed patients into two groups (<2.5 mg/dl and ≥2.5 mg/dl). Another analysis was performed between babies whose mothers were exposed to MgSO4 and those not exposed. Finally, the groups' neonatal outcomes were compared. Of the 584 babies, 310 received antenatal MgSO4. The birth weights were significantly lower in the MgSO4 exposed group (1113 ± 361g vs. 1202 ± 388g, p=0.005). Antenatal corticosteroid usage and intrauterine growth restriction were also noted to be higher. The MgSO4 group was more likely to have bronchopulmonary dysplasia, prolonged invasive ventilation, necrotizing enterocolitis, delayed enteral nutrition, and feeding intolerance (p<0.05). MgSO4 treatment was shown as an independent risk factor for feeding intolerance when corrected for confounders (OR 2.13 95% CI 1.4-3.1, p=0.001). Furthermore, serum Mg level significantly correlated with feeding intolerance (r =0.21, p=0.002). This study highlighted the effect of MgSO4 treatment and the potential superiority of serum the Mg level as a predictor of immediate neonatal outcomes, particularly delayed enteral nutrition and feeding intolerance. Further studies are warranted to ascertain the optimal serum Mg concentration of preterm infants in early life to provide maximum benefit with minimal side effects.

The impact of maternal electrolyte and albumin levels on the efficacy of single-dose methotrexate treatment for ectopic pregnancies.

This study aims to investigate the impact of maternal albumin and serum electrolyte levels on the efficacy of single-dose methotrexate (SDMtx) therapy for ectopic pregnancies. Building on previous research, recommendations are provided to enhance the success of SD-Mtx therapy in the management of ectopic pregnancy. Conducted at a tertiary center gynecology clinic, the study included 353 patients diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy and treated with SD-Mtx from 2012 to 2023. Patients who responded positively to SD-Mtx treatment comprised Group 1 (n=313), while those requiring surgical intervention due to failed SD-Mtx therapy constituted Group 2 (n=40). Through the hospital's digital database, patient data including complete blood count, biochemistry, and hormone test results were retrospectively examined. The mean β-hCG value was 1996 IU/mL for Group 1 in contrast to 2058 IU/mL for Group 2. There was no statistically significant difference in β-hCG levels between the two groups. Notably, Group 1 patients exhibited lower serum magnesium levels but higher potassium levels compared to Group 2 patients, with statistically significant differences. Furthermore, Group 1 patients had higher albumin levels than those in Group 2, with a statistically significant difference. Successful SD-Mtx treatment was associated with lower maternal serum magnesium levels and higher potassium and albumin levels. Considering electrolyte levels before administering SD-Mtx and addressing any imbalances could potentially enhance treatment success. Additionally, restoring low albumin levels might improve the efficacy of SD-Mtx treatment for ectopic pregnancies. While this study suggests these trends, further extensive studies with a larger sample size are necessary to establish more definitive evidence.

Association of Maternal Serum Magnesium Level with Preterm Labour

Background: Preterm labour is a major health problem in obstetrics. The cause of preterm labour is still unknown. The role of magnesium is also not clear. Recently, involvement of magnesium in physiological and pathological process of labour has been clearly demonstrated. Aims and Objectives: To see the association between maternal scrum magnesium level and preterm labour. Materials and Method: This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sylhet M.A.G. Osmani Medical College Hospital, between January 2017 and December 2018. Thirty-five pregnant women with preterm labour were selected as case and 35 preterm age and gestational age matched pregnant women without having preterm labour were selected as control group. Serum magnesium concentration was measured. Results: The mean age (25.43 ± 4.62 years versus 24.40 ± 3.99 years; p=0.332) and the gestational age (31.31 ± 1.78 weeks versus 31.34 ± 1.84 weeks; p=0.974) did not differ between preterm labour group and control group. Serum magnesium level (mg/dl) was significantly lower in prelabour group compared to control group (0.90 ± 0.37 versus 1.69 ± 0.33; p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: It is strongly suggested that maternal serum magnesium associated with preterm labor of unknown etiology

Effect of maternal serum magnesium and calcium levels on umbilical glial fibrillary acidic protein levels in preterm labor

Magnesium can prevent astrocyte cell death and Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) secretion as inflammatory marker in preterm delivery. This study was performed to analyze differences in umbilical cord GFAP levels in preterm labor given magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) as treatment group and control group and analyze the correlation between magnesium and calcium levels with umbilical GFAP levels. This quasi-experimental study was performed on 68 patients at Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital from February-June 2021 consisting of 34 patients in each group. Maternal-umbilical cord magnesium levels, calcium levels, and GFAP levels were examined using ELISA test. The result was statistically measured by IBM SPSS 24.0. We found that there was a significant difference between maternal and umbilical magnesium levels and GFAP umbilical cord blood levels between the treatment and the control group (P < 0.05) in which GFAP level was higher in the control group. The multivariate analysis showed no significant relevance between mother magnesium and calcium level to umbilical cord GFAP level in the MgSO4 group. As conclusions, umbilical cord blood GFAP levels in preterm labor given MgSO4 were lower than in preterm deliveries who were not given MgSO4. There was no correlation between magnesium, calcium, and GFAP levels in the treatment group.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SERUM MAGNESIUM &amp; ZINC LEVELS AND THEIR ASSOCIATIONS WITH PRETERM LABOUR

Background: Preterm is dened as babies born alive before 37 weeks of pregnanc, it occurs when there is a regular contraction of uterus which results in opening of cervix after 20 weeks and before 37 weeks of gestation. preterm labour is spontaneous but it can also be due to a biochemical changes in body functions at the cellular level of trace elements such as magnesium and zinc. The main objective of this study is to nd the association of hypomagnesaemia and low zinc levels in preterm delivered women and to compare the maternal serum magnesium and zinc levels between Preterm and Term delivered mothers. Methods: A Comparative study was done in the Department of Biochemistry, Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam. Atotal of 126 women who were admitted to the labour room at Department of Obstetrics and gynaecology, King George Hospital, Visakhapatnam were selected for this study. All the subjects were divided into two groups as Preterm Consists of 63 women with spontaneous preterm labour delivered between 28- 37 weeks and Term Consists of 63 Women with Term labour after 37 weeks. Results: Women with Preterm labour had a signicantly low serum magnesium level with a mean serum magnesium level of 1.8 mg/dl with SD of 0.38 whereas the patients with Term labour had a mean serum magnesium level of 2.09 mg/dl with SD of 0.50 and also low zinc levels in Preterm labour with mean zinc levels of 51.28 µg/dl with SD 10.9 whereas patients with Term labour had mean serum zinc levels of 56.5 µg/dl with SD 9.7. The difference of serum magnesium and zinc levels observed between the study population and control population is independent of factors like maternal age, parity, gestational age, Blood pressure and socioeconomic status. In this study there is non signicant weak correlation was found between Demographic data and parametric data. Conclusions:Serum magnesium and zinc levels can be used as predictors for preterm labour. Spontaneous preterm delivery can be avoided by early assessment of maternal magnesium and zinc status and also by simple oral supplementation of magnesium and zinc which might provide an easy and inexpensive means to decrease the problems related to preterm labour. There is a further scope for research on serum magnesium and zinc levels based on gestational age.

A comparative study between maternal serum magnesium levels in preterm and term labour

A comparative study between maternal serum magnesium levels in preterm and term labour

Comparison of maternal serum magnesium level in eclampsia, preeclampsia and normal pregnant women admitted to El-Shatby Maternity Hospital

Comparison of maternal serum magnesium level in eclampsia, preeclampsia and normal pregnant women admitted to El-Shatby Maternity Hospital

Differences Post Delivery of Term Pregnancy Mean Maternal Serum Magnesium Level with Low Versus Normal Birth Weight

Background. Impaired fetal growth is still a major problem in obstetrics. Birth weight is usually used as an indicator of the well-being of the newborn and as an indirect measure of intrauterine nutrition during pregnancy and the mother's nutritional status during pregnancy. Magnesium contribute as a cofactor for various enzymes in the human body for metabolic processes. Fetal magnesium is obtained from maternal by transport through the placenta. In conditions of low magnesium levels will affect the epigenetic process, HPA-axis and GH-IGF axis of the fetus which in turn will result in fetal growth disorders. This study aims to determine the differences postdelivery serum magnesium levels of women at term pregnancy who give birth with low vs normal birth weight.&#x0D; Methods. This study used an observational analytic method with a cross sectional approach. Conducted from April 2020-December 2020 at Dr. M. Djamil Padang Central General Hospital and Network Hospital Faculty of Medicine, Andalas University. Total of 44 samples were divided into 2 groups, women who gave birth with low and normal birth weight babies. Samples was carried out at the Pramitha Padang Private Clinical Laboratory.&#x0D; Results: The mean maternal serum magnesium level in low birth weight group was 1.97 ± 0.16 mg/dL lower than normal birth weight group was 2.06 ± 0.14 mg/dL. Statistic test using the independent sample T test showed no differences in both groups (p = 0.064).&#x0D; Conclusion. The mean maternal serum magnesium level in low birth weight 1.97±0.16 mg/dL. The mean maternal serum magnesium level in normal birth weight was 2.06 ± 0.14 mg/dL. There was no significant difference on both groups.

The effects of maternal body mass index and plurality on maternal and umbilical cord serum magnesium levels in preterm birth at less than 32 weeks of gestation.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of maternal body mass index (BMI) and plurality on maternal and umbilical cord serum magnesium levels after antenatal magnesium sulfate treatment.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort analysis of 135 women treated with antenatal magnesium sulfate at less than 32 weeks of gestation between January 2012 and June 2018. Subjects were stratified into groups according to maternal BMI (group I [18.5–22.9 kg/m2], group II [23.0–24.9 kg/m2], and group III [≥25.0 kg/m2]) and plurality (singleton and twin). Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to compare the umbilical cord serum magnesium levels between the groups.ResultsMaternal serum magnesium levels were not significantly different between the maternal BMI groups and singleton and twin pregnancies. Umbilical cord serum magnesium levels were significantly different among the maternal BMI groups (3.3±1.2 mg/dL in group I, 3.3±1.2 mg/dL in group II, and 4.0±1.4 mg/dL in group III, P=0.003). The trend of increase in magnesium levels was statistically significant (P=0.001, Jonckheere-Terpstra test). Umbilical cord serum magnesium levels were not significantly different according to plurality. However, in the multivariable analysis, maternal BMI and plurality were not significantly associated with umbilical cord serum magnesium levels after adjusting for indication and total dose of magnesium sulfate treatment, gestational age at delivery, mode of delivery, neonatal sex, and birth weight.ConclusionMaternal BMI and plurality were not significantly associated with maternal or umbilical cord serum magnesium levels after exposure to antenatal magnesium sulfate treatment.

Neuroprotective magnesium sulfate administration increases maternal Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index.

We aimed to analyze the linear changes of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR) and Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) levels in pregnant women who administrated magnesium sulfate for fetal neuroprotection. This retrospective study included 63 pregnant women who underwent neuroprotective magnesium sulfate administration during January 2015 and July 2020. Women with co-existing diseases or obstetric complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, suspicion of chorioamnionitis etc. excluded. The laboratory test results were obtained for each participant. Three results were compared; (1) Before magnesium sulfate-0th hour, (2) 6h and (3) 12h after starting loading dose. The mean NLR was 7.18 ± 5.14 in patients before treatment. The mean NLR increased to 10.09 ± 4.77 and 10.04 ± 4.35 at 6th and 12th hour of magnesium sulfate treatment. The mean PLR was also increased after starting neuroprotective magnesium sulfate (170.35 ± 89.09 at the beginning; 209.85 ± 88.77 at 6th hour and 209.24 ± 76.66 at 12th hour). The mean SII was found to be increased from 1783.33 ± 1367.29 to 2517.15 ± 1325.77 with magnesium sulfate treatment. However, no statistically significant difference was observed in terms of SII between 6 and 12th hours of treatment (p = 0.752). Maternal serum magnesium levels at 6th and 12th hour were found to be not correlated with NLR, PLR and SII. We demonstrated that values of NLR, PLR and SII at 6th hour were all increased after starting magnesium sulfate. Levels of these systemic inflammatory indices were similar at 6th and 12th hour of therapy.

Correlation of neonatal and maternal serum magnesium levels in pre-eclamptic women

Correlation of neonatal and maternal serum magnesium levels in pre-eclamptic women

Study of Extent of Transplacental Transport by Measuring the Levels of Magnesium in Maternal and Umbilical Venous Cord Blood and Correlation of Serum Magnesium Levels with Outcome of Pregnancy

Magnesium deficiency during pregnancy can induce not only maternal and fetal nutritional problems, but also consequences that might last in off spring throughout life. The status of maternal serum magnesium levels in adverse pregnancy outcome is not fully clear. Hence, the present study was planned to study maternal serum magnesium levels and to explore it correlation if any with low birth weight, preterm birth, and Apgar score in 102 pregnant women. Study samples (three ml) were drawn once before 20 weeks and second sample was drawn at the time of delivery in red vacutainer tubes. Serum was analyzed for routine investigations (hemoglobin, TSH, glucose challenge test) and magnesium levels (using thiazole yellow spectrophotometrically). At 2.2 mg/dL (2.4 + 0.1 mg/dL) and 5 (4.9%) had serum magnesium levels <1.5 mg/dL (1.3 + 0.1 mg/dL). There was significant positive correlation between serum magnesium at <20 weeks with gestational age at delivery. Also, the correlation between serum magnesium at term with gestational age at delivery was positive and statistically significant. However, the correlations were not significant between maternal serum magnesium levels with baby weight at <20 weeks; at term and APGAR score at <20 weeks; at term. It can be concluded from the present study that periconceptional nutrition status is a key determinant of pregnancy outcomes and dietary modification might reduce the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes.

Optimization of Maternal Magnesium Sulfate Administration for Fetal Neuroprotection: Application of a Prospectively Constructed Pharmacokinetic Model to the BEAM Cohort.

The aim of the study was to identify the optimal therapeutic maternal magnesium drug exposure and maternal serum concentration to prevent cerebral palsy in the extremely preterm fetus. We applied a previously constructed pharmacokinetic model adjusted for indication to a large cohort of pregnant women receiving magnesium sulfate to prevent cerebral palsy in their preterm offspring at 20 different US academic centers between December 1997 and May 2004. We simulated the population-based individual maternal serum magnesium concentration at the time of delivery and the total magnesium dose for each woman who received magnesium sulfate to determine the relationship between maternal serum magnesium level at the time of delivery and the development of cerebral palsy. Among 1905 women who met inclusion criteria, the incidence of cerebral palsy in the cohort was 3.6% for women who had received magnesium sulfate and 6.4% for controls. The simulated maternal serum concentration at delivery associated with the lowest probability of delivering an infant with cerebral palsy was 4.1mg/dL (95%CI3.7 to 4.4). Our population-based estimates of magnesium disposition suggest that to optimize fetal neuroprotection and prevent cerebral palsy, magnesium sulfate administration should target a maternal serum magnesium level between 3.7 and 4.4mg/dL at delivery.

Pharmacokinetics and placental transfer of magnesium sulfate in pregnant women

Magnesium sulfate is one of the most commonly prescribed intravenous medications in obstetrics. Despite its widespread use, there are limited data about magnesium pharmacokinetics, and magnesium is prescribed empirically without dose adjustment for different indications. The aim of this study was to characterize the pharmacokinetics and placental transfer of magnesium sulfate in pregnant women and to determine key covariates that impact the pharmacokinetics. This is a prospective pharmacokinetic cohort study ofpregnant women who were prescribed magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia, preterm labor, or extreme prematurity. Women received a 4-g loading dose and 2 g/h maintenance dose as clinically indicated. Maternal blood samples were obtained before and at multiple time points during and after magnesium administration. Cord blood also was sampled at delivery. A population pharmacokinetic approach that used a nonlinear mixed-effects modeling was used to characterize magnesium disposition. Pharmacokinetic profiles of 111 pregnant women were analyzed. Magnesium clearance was 3.98 L/h in preeclamptic women and5.88 L/h non-preeclamptic women. Steady-state concentration ofmagnesium was 7.2 mg/dL in preeclamptic women compared with 5.1mg/dL in non-preeclamptic women. Maternal weight significantly impacted time to steady state. The ratio of the mean umbilical vein magnesium level to the mean maternal serum magnesium level at the time of delivery was 0.94 ± 0.15. The study accurately characterizes the pharmacokinetics of magnesium administered to pregnant women. Preeclamptic status and maternal weight significantly impact serum magnesium levels. This pharmacokinetic model could be applied to larger cohorts to help tailor magnesium treatment and account for these covariates.

Factors affecting maternal serum magnesium levels during long-term magnesium sulfate tocolysis in singleton and twin pregnancy.

Our aim was to determine factors that affect maternal serum magnesium (Mg) levels, to help ensure the safety and efficacy of long-term magnesium sulfate (MgSO4 ) therapy for threatened preterm labor in singleton and twin pregnancies. We retrospectively and arbitrarily studied 100 patients (singleton pregnancy, n = 65; twin pregnancy, n = 35) who received i.v. MgSO4 for >48 h for tocolysis of threatened preterm labor. We used multiple regression analysis to investigate the functional relations between the candidate factors and maternal serum Mg levels. MgSO4 was administered as a loading dose of 3 g for 1 h followed by a maintenance dose of 1.0-2.0 g/h. There were no maternal severe adverse events related to the elevated Mg levels in any of the subjects. The results of multiple regression analysis revealed that total dose of MgSO4 for 24 h before blood collection (g/day), total serum protein level (g/dL), serum total calcium level (mg/dL), serum creatinine level (mg/dL) and maternal bodyweight (kg) significantly affected maternal serum Mg levels in both singleton and twin pregnancies (all P-values were < 0.001). Gestational age (weeks) and period of MgSO4 administration (days) at blood collection had no significant effect in singleton or twin pregnancies. Our study statistically shows that dose of MgSO4 , total serum protein level, serum total calcium level, serum creatinine level and maternal bodyweight are key factors to achieving safe and effective long-term tocolysis with MgSO4 in not only singleton but also twin pregnancies.

Disparity in post-treatment maternal circulating magnesium sulfate levels between twin and singleton gestation: Is this the missing link between plurality and adverse outcome?

Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) administered to women at risk for preterm delivery decreases the risk of cerebral palsy in their children. However, the neuroprotective effect of MgSO4 has not been shown in twin gestations. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the maternal serum levels of magnesium in twin vs. singleton pregnancies following intravenous treatment of MgSO4. Case control study including two groups of pregnant women who received intravenous MgSO4: (1) twin gestations (n=83) and (2) singleton pregnancies (n=83). Maternal serum magnesium levels 6 and 24 h after initiation of treatment were determined in both groups. Maternal serum levels of magnesium were significantly lower among patients with twin gestations compared to those with singleton ones 6 h after initiation of treatment (4.6 vs. 4.8 mg/dL, P=0.003). In addition, the rate of pregnant women who obtained therapeutic levels 6 h after initiation of treatment was significantly lower in twin gestations than in singleton ones (36% vs. 58%, P=0.008). Multiple regression analysis revealed that twin gestations were independently and significantly associated with low maternal serum magnesium levels. Maternal serum concentrations of magnesium are lower in twin pregnancies than in singleton ones following MgSO4 treatment, which might explain the decreased neuroprotective effect of MgSO4 reported in twin pregnancies.

Assessment of serum magnesium levels and its outcome in neonates of eclamptic mothers treated with low-dose magnesium sulfate regimen.

Objectives:Magnesium historically has been used for treatment and/or prevention of eclampsia. Considering the low body mass index of Indian women, a low-dose magnesium sulfate regime has been introduced by some authors. Increased blood levels of magnesium in neonates is associated with increased still birth, early neonatal death, birth asphyxia, bradycardia, hypotonia, gastrointestinal hypomotility. The objective of this study was to assess safety of low-dose magnesium sulfate regimen in neonates of eclamptic mothers treated with this regimen.Materials and Methods:This was a cross-sectional observational study of 100 eclampsia patients and their neonates. Loading dose and maintenance doses of magnesium sulfate were administered to patients by combination of intravenous and intramuscular routes. Maternal serum and cord blood magnesium levels were estimated. Neonatal outcome was assessed.Results:Bradycardia was observed in 18 (19.15%) of the neonates, 16 (17.02%) of the neonates were diagnosed with hypotonia. Pearson Correlation Coefficient showed Apgar scores decreased with increase in cord blood magnesium levels. Unpaired t-test showed lower Apgar scores with increasing dose of magnesium sulfate. The Chi-square/Fisher's exact test showed significant increase in hypotonia, birth asphyxia, intubation in delivery room, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) care requirement, with increasing dose of magnesium sulfate. (P ≤ 0.05).Conclusion:Several neonatal complications are significantly related to increasing serum magnesium levels. Overall, the low-dose magnesium sulfate regimen was safe in the management of eclamptic mothers, without toxicity to their neonates.

Effect of Multivitamin-Mineral versus Multivitamin Supplementation on Maternal, Newborns' Biochemical Indicators and Birth Size: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

Micronutrient deficiency during pregnancy is associated with several complications. This study was designed to determine the effects of received multivitamin-mineral vs. multivitamin supplements on maternal, newborns' biochemical indicators, and birth size. This double-blind randomized-controlled clinical trial was conducted among 48 Iranian pregnant women, primigravida, aged 18-35 years old in their second and third trimester from December 2011 to September 2012. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either the multivitamin-mineral (n=24) or multivitamin supplements (n=24) for 20 weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and after a 20-week intervention of pregnant women as well as umbilical cord blood of the babies immediately after delivery to measure serum calcium, vitamin D, iron, magnesium, zinc and biomarkers of oxidative stress including plasma total antioxidant capacity and total glutathione. Multivitamin-mineral compared to multivitamin supplementation resulted in a significant increase in maternal serum calcium (0.5 vs. -0.1 mg/dL, p=0.04) and magnesium levels (0.1 vs. -0.2 mg/dL, p<0.001). Furthermore, mean plasma total glutathione levels (1791 ± 566 vs. 1434 ± 622 µmol/l, p=0.04) of the newborns whose mothers received multivitamin-mineral were higher than those whose mothers received multivitamin supplements. Overall, multivitamin-mineral compared to multivitamin supplementation for 20 weeks during pregnancy resulted in a significant increase in maternal serum calcium and magnesium levels as well as a significant elevation of newborn plasma total glutathione levels.

A Study on the Association between Low Maternal Serum Magnesium Level and Preterm Labour.

Objectives. The study was aimed to assess the association between low maternal serum magnesium levels and preterm labour. Methods. It is a cross-sectional case-control study in which eligible participants were pregnant women admitted in labour within the labour ward complex of a Lagos tertiary hospital. Relevant data were extracted from the case records of these women and blood samples were obtained from all participants and serum magnesium levels measured. Results. The study showed that 36% of the study patients had varying degrees of hypomagnesaemia. The relative risk indicates that preterm labour is 1.83 times higher among the patients with low serum magnesium (less than 1.6 mg/dL). The mean difference in serum magnesium levels in both groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion. We can infer that low serum magnesium (hypomagnesaemia) is associated with preterm onset of labour. We can, also from this finding, formulate a proposition that would help in preventing preterm labour and birth with the use of prophylactic oral magnesium supplementation among patients with higher risk for development of preterm labour.