Abstract

Background: Physiologically calcium plays a critical role in function of smooth muscle and its deficiency can cause increased blood pressure. Magnesium is a cofactor in several enzymes, cause vasodilatation and helps in neurochemical transmission. Besides magnesium and calcium, hyperuricemia may induce hypertension by impairing nitric oxide generation
Objective: To compare serum calcium, magnesium and uric acid levels in women with pre-eclampsia and normal pregnancy
Methods: Hospital based Comparative Cross sectional study was carried out among 60 (30 pre-eclampsia and 30 normal pregnant women) aged 18-35 years between 20 weeks till term gestation for 18 months. Proteinuria, serum Calcium, Serum Magnesium, and serum Uric acid were measured using standard procedures.
Results: Majority were (40%) 25-29 years, (53.3%) were overweight, 46.6% had 36-38 weeks of gestation. 56.67% were Primi. 60% had severe preeclampsia. Proteinuria was seen in all with 46.67% had 2+. Pulse rate, SBP and DBP were significantly higher among the cases compared to controls.  Serum calcium was significantly lower among preeclampsia women and serum uric acid was significantly higher.  However there was no statistically significant difference between serum magnesium levels among preeclampsia and normal pregnant women. There was no statistically significant difference between pulse rates. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher in severe preeclampsia group. Serum Calcium and magnesium were significantly lower in severe preeclampsia group.
Conclusion: Preeclampsia was found to be associated with low calcium levels and higher serum uric acid levels. But it was not found to be associated with the serum magnesium levels.