Biochemical studies in normal and complicated pregnancy

ABSTRACT

In this cross sectional study, serum and urinary N-acetyl-B- glucosamine [NAG], calcium, magnesium and urinary excretion of albumin were determined in 25 normal pregnant females, 10 non-complicated diabetic pregnant females and 29 preeclamptic pregnant females. The results were compared with those in 25 nonpregnant females who were age matched with other groups in the study. Serum NAG activity levels were increased significantly to the same extent in normal and complicated pregnancies originating most probably from chorionic villi. Urinary excretions of both NAG and albumin were increased in normal and complicated pregnancies. However, the excretions were significantly higher in complicated than normal pregnancy. It is probable that these results may be caused by physiologically disturbed glomerular, as well as tubular function, as indicated by the significant positive correlation observed between urinary MAG and albumin excretions. These changes are more marked in complicated pregnancies. Significant decrease serum calcium and magnesium levels were observed in normal and complicated pregnancies