Serum and Urinary Levels of Micronutrients in Women with Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is the most common cause of prenatal and maternal mortality in the world. It is also the second most common cause of maternal death in Iran. Deficiency of some trace elements such as zinc, calcium and magnesium in pregnant women may be involved in preeclampsia. The aim of this study was to measure serum and urinary levels of zinc, calcium and magnesium in healthy pregnant women and those with preeclampsia. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 100 pregnant women (second trimester) who were referred to the gynecology clinic of 5th Azar hospital in Gorgan (Iran) during 2014-15. The subjects were assigned into a preeclampsia group (N=50) and an age-matched healthy control group (N=50). Serum and urinary levels of zinc, calcium and magnesium were measured by enzymatic method. Data were analyzed by SPSS (version 19) using t-test and chi-square test. P-values less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Results: Mean serum concentration of calcium in the preeclampsia group (8.17± 0.64mg/dl) was significantly lower than that in the control group (8.70±0.40mg/dl). However, the mean urinary level of calcium in the preeclampsia group (222.33± 19.35mg/dl) was significantly higher than that in the control group (158.61± 40.16 mg/dl). Mean urinary level of zinc in the preeclampsia group was significantly lower than that in the control group. No significant difference was found between serum concentrations of zinc and magnesium in the preeclampsia and control group.