MATERNAL SERUM CALCIUM AND TRACE ELMENTS;COPPER AND ZINC AMONG PRE-ECLAMPTIC WOMEN IN CAIRO, EGYPT

Introduction: Low levels of blood calcium (Ca) and trace elements are observed in patients with pre-eclampsia (PE). Among these patients low serum Ca, copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) may be one of the disease causes. Objectives: The aim of this study was to find out the serum biochemical profile of these elements in the studied pre-eclamptic women. Subjects and methods: A case-control, hospital based study design was used. All the cases and controls were examined laboratory. Results: Maternal mean serum Ca, Cu and Zn were lower among pre-eclamptic cases compared to normal pregnant controls with statistically significant differences (P= 0.000 for each of them). Further, maternal mean serum Ca, Cu and Zn were lower among the severe PE cases compared to the mild cases with statistically significant differences (P=0.002, 0.000 and 0.000, respectively). Also, these low elements; Ca, Cu and Zn were significantly correlated factors with severe PE (P=0.01, 0.03 and 0.01, respectively). Recommendations: Early ante-natal care and treatment for pre-eclamptic women are recommended. Ca, Cu and Zn supplementation may be a cost effective method to prevent PE. Prospective population based studies are needed in different areas in Egypt and on large number of pregnant women to determine possible PE risk factors.