Serum cadmium, manganese and magnesium levels in low birth wieght newborns and their mothers

ABSTRACT

The study included 54 neonates [20 preterm, 19 full term small for date and 15 full term with appropriate weight] and their mothers. They were taken from newborns deliverd at Assiut University Hospital. There were no significant differences in the serum levels of cadmium, manganese and magnesium between neonates at birth and their mothers. Serum cadmium level was significantly higher in small for date neonates and their mothers than both preterm and full terms with appropriate weight and their mothers at birth. Serum manganese and magnesium levels in neonates at birth did not differ significantly in relation to gestational age or birth weight. Serum cadmium increased significantly in small for date newborns at the age of 28 days compared to levels at birth. No change in serum levels of both manganese and magnesium could be found at the age of 28 days in all the studied newborns in comparison to levels at birth