Serum levels of some trace elements in normal pregnancy and in preeclamptic toxaemia

ABSTRACT

Serum levels of copper and zinc were estimated by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in 100 females categorized into three groups namely a non-pregnant control group, a normal pregnant group and a third pregnant group complicated with preeclamptic toxaemia. Hypercupremia was demonstrated during normal pregnancy and a further elevation was found in the preeclamptic group. The hypercupremia of pregnancy may be attributed to the hormonal changes of pregnancy and to mobilization of copper from the maternal tissue. The high serum copper level in the preeclamptic cases may reflect intrinsic degenerative process on the cellular level and to the subclinical hepatic damage in such cases. Plasma volume expansion during pregnancy may explain the low serum zinc level observed during pregnancy in this study