31Dec 2014

The Significance of Serum Levels of Magnesium and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in Singleton Pregnant Women diagnosed with Pre-eclampsia

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Pre-eclampsia (PE) globally affects many pregnant women causing maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Since there is no treatment for PE, identifying those at risk using markers would be desirable for intensive observation and care. This study therefore aimed at investigating the significance of serum magnesium (Mg2+) and free ?-human chorionic gonadotropin (?-hCG) levels as biomarkers for severity of pre-eclampsia. Methods: This was a case-control study on 150 singleton pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and 150 normotensive matched controls. Data were collected by blood sampling and questionnaire. Serum ?-hCG and Mg2+ were assayed using quantitative ELISA technique and chemical methods respectively. Outcome parameters were compared using Student’s t-test, ANOVA, ?2 test, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: Mg2+ was significantly lower (0.69 ± 0.11) versus (0.88 ± 0.09) whiles ?-hCG was elevated (0.99 ± 0.20) versus (0.85± 0.09) with p < 0.001 in the pre-eclampsia group compared with normotensives respectively. Thirteen (8.7%) of the cases which were diagnosed as having severe pre-eclampsia (SPE) had significantly lower Mg2+ of (0.48 ± 0.13, p<0.001) and significantly elevated ?-hCG levels and (1.29 ± 0.33, p<0.001) compared with controls respectively. Mg2+ levels correlates significantly with both systolic and diastolic blood pressures of the SPEs. Conclusion: Serum Mg2+ and ?-hCG levels showed significant reduction and elevation respectively during pre-eclampsia and more so in severe pre-eclampsia. However in the case of SPE only Mg2+showed significant association with systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Serum magnesium seems to be a better marker for SPE and its complications than ?-hCG.


[Bartholomew Dzudzor, Mohammed Mustapha Seini, Benjamin Daniel Richard Tete Annan, Emmanuel Srofenyoh, William Kudzi (2014); The Significance of Serum Levels of Magnesium and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in Singleton Pregnant Women diagnosed with Pre-eclampsia Int. J. of Adv. Res. 2 (Dec). 0] (ISSN 2320-5407). www.journalijar.com


Dr. Bartholomew Dzudzor