Maternal serum calcium and trace elments; copper and zinc among pre-eclamptic women in Cairo, Egypt

ABSTRACT

Low levels of blood calcium [Ca] and trace elements are observed in patients with pre-eclampsia [PE]. Among these patients low serum Ca, copper [Cu] and zinc [Zn] may be one of the disease causes. The aim of this study was to find out the serum biochemical profile of these elements in the studied pre-eclamptic women. A case-control, hospital based study design was used. All the cases and controls were examined laboratory. Maternal mean serum Ca, Cu and Zn were lower among pre-eclamptic cases compared to normal pregnant controls with statistically significant differences [P= 0.000 for each of them]. Further, maternal mean serum Ca, Cu and Zn were lower among the severe PE cases compared to the mild cases with statistically significant differences [P-0.002, 0.000 and 0.000, respectively]. Also, these low elements; Ca, Cu and Zn were significantly correlated factors with severe PE [P=0.01, 0.03 and 0.01, respectively]. Early ante-natal care and treatment for pre-eclamptic women are recommended. Ca, Cu and Zn supplementation may be a cost effective method to prevent PE. Prospective population based studies are needed in different areas in Egypt and on large number of pregnant women to determine possible PE risk factors