Serum Calcium and Magnesium Levels in Preeclamptic Patients - A Case Control Study

Preeclampsia is one of the major causes of maternal deaths and pregnancy related complications. Despite intensive researches over years, the exact cause of the disease remains unknown. Various factors like placental ischemia, immunological maladaptation, genetics and susceptible endothelium have been shown to play a causative role in the preeclampsia. In the recent past, nutritional deficiency is gaining importance in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. To compare the serum levels of macronutrients like calcium and magnesium between preeclamptic patients and normal pregnant women. This was a case control study done in Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences with 50 preeclamptic patients as cases and 50 gestationally age matched normal pregnant women as controls. After getting informed consent, calcium and magnesium levels were measured in the serum of the participants. Serum calcium (p<0.001) and magnesium (p<0.001) levels were significantly decreased among cases when compared to controls. Hypocalcemia (<9mg/dl) showed significant association with preeclampsia. There was a significant decrease in serum magnesium (0.006) level in low birth weights among the cases. Serum calcium and magnesium were found to be decreased in preeclamptic women. Supplementation with these nutrients during early pregnancy can be a preventive tool in preeclampsia and eclampsia.