Association of serum calcium and magnesium levels in pre-eclampsia: A case control study

Abstract

Background: Association of decreased levels of calcium and magnesium with pre-eclampsia has been proposed since decades. However, many studies across the world show variable results. Hence this study was done to establish association of serum calcium and magnesium levels in pre-eclampsia in our population.Methods: Total of 400 women, 200 pre-eclamptic (study group) and 200 normotensive (control group) pregnant women of similar demographic data were enrolled in the study. Serum calcium and magnesium levels were estimated by spectrophotometry.Results: In our study the mean serum concentration of calcium in pre-eclampsia group is (8.81 ± 0.79 mg/dl) compared to normal pregnancy (9.86 ± 5.86 mg/dl) (p=0.012). The mean serum calcium concentration in pregnancy induced hypertension patients is decreased as compared to normal pregnancy and this decrease is of statistical significance with p value <0.05. The mean serum magnesium is lower in pre-eclampsia group (1.94 ± 0.24 mEq/L) than normal pregnancy (2.01 ± 0.34 mEq/L) (p=0.017) which is moderately significant.Conclusion: The serum calcium and serum magnesium levels are significantly decreased in pre-eclampsia patients compared to normotensive pregnant women, suggesting the possible role of calcium and magnesium in etio-patho-physiology of pre-eclampsia. Hence, antenatal screening of high-risk cases, early identification and supplementation of calcium and magnesium to all pregnant women may help reducing incidence of pre-eclampsia.