Publication:

Comparative study of copper, zinc, iron, ferritin, calcium and magnesium levels in pregnancy induced hypertension and normotensive primigravida mothers

Background Exact pathophysiology of pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) is still unknown but there is a definite relationship between trace elements and preeclampsia. Several studies in this context have conflicting reports. So, a comparative study of serum levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), ferritin, calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg), in PIH and normotensive primipara mothers was conducted.

Methods Study was conducted in Department of Biochemistry & Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, R. G. Kar Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata over 1 year from September 2013 to August 2014 on fifty PIH patients as cases and fifty normotensive primipara mother without proteinuria as controls, both having ages ranging between 15-35 years in 2nd and 3rd trimesters.

Results Serum Ca, Mg, Cu and Zn levels were found to be significantly reduced (<0.05) in the PIH group compared to the normal pregnant group. Serum ferritin was markedly increased in the cases (mean 90.41±47.39, p<0.00001). No significant correlation was found in serum Fe levels.

Conclusions Alteration of serum Cu, Zn, Ca, Mg and ferritin levels can be considered to have a role in the etiopathogenesis and severity of PIH.