ABSTRACT
Background: Pre eclampsia occurs in 3-5% of pregnancies and is an important cause of fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in serum magnesium in healthy young women, normal pregnancy and in preeclampsia in their third trimester. Materials and Methods:The study population consisted of 120 subjects divided into three groups with each group comprising of 40 subjects. Serum magnesium level was estimated by fully automatic analyzer in healthy non pregnant women (Group-1), normotensive primigravida (Group2) and preeclamptic primigravida in third trimester (Group-3). The results were analysed using statistical test ANOVA. At p value < 0.05, results were considered significant. Results:The mean serum magnesium levels were 2.71 + 0.24 mg/dL, 1.90 + 0.21 mg/dL and 1.64 + 0.26 mg/dL respectively in healthy young women, normal pregnancy and in preeclampsia. There was a significant decrease in the serum magnesium levels in the normal pregnancy as compared to those in the nonpregnant women and the level is significantly decreased further in preeclampsia. Conclusion: Decreased serum magnesium levels in pregnancy may be associated with increased risk of developing preeclampsia. Changes in the serum levels of magnesium can be used as an effective marker in the early diagnosis of pre eclampsia