Magnesium levels in pregnancy induced hypertension

Abstract

Pre-eclampsia is a systemic disorder that occurs in or near the third trimester of pregnancy. Hypertension is a consequence and not the cause of the disorder and treatment is only justified to lower it from severe and immediately dangerous levels. Treating lower levels has been shown to confer no benefit and exposes the fetus to additional drugs. Magnesium sulfate reduces the incidence of eclamptic convulsions. This study assessed serum magnesium (Mg2+)and electrolytes levels in women with PIH (pregnancy-induced hypertension) and PE (pre-eclampsia), compared to that in normal pregnancy. This was a case control study which included 30 women with preeclampsia in their third trimester of pregnancy as Study group and 30 healthy pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy as control group, with similar maternal and gestational age. The concentration of total serum magnesium and electrolytes were assessed. The data was analyzed using Students’ t-test wherever applicable. Our aim is to assess the concentration of total serum magnesium and electrolytes in the patients and control group. Increased levels of sodium and slight variation in potassium levels were observed. There is a slight elevation of magnesium levels when compared with normal individuals and parenteral magnesium sulfate therapy is not contraindicated to treat eclampsia in spite of high serum magnesium levels, as it is given for its neurosedative, and antihypertensive effects and not to correct a deficiency. There is no marked difference in serum potassium levels in preeclampsia and women with normal pregnancy, but there is a slight decrease in potassium levels in eclampsia cases to preeclampsia.