[Magnesium and calcium concentration of peripheral serum and mononuclear cells in patients with pregnancy induced hypertension].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the magnesium and calcium concentration of peripheral serum and mononuclear in patients with pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH).

METHODS

Twenty-six patients with PIH and 27 healthy women in their late pregnancy were studied. The serum and mononuclear cells magnesium and calcium contents were measured with atomic absorption spectrophotometry (fire atomization).

RESULTS

When compared with the healthy women in their late pregnancy, (1) the peripheral serum magnesium and calcium contents in patients with PIH decreased significantly (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05), (2) the magnesium contents of the peripheral mononuclear cells in patients with moderate and severe degrees of PIH decreased significantly (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01), (3) the calcium contents of the peripheral mononuclear cells in patients with moderate and severe degrees of PIH decreased significantly (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The decrease of magnesium and calcium concentration may be one of the important factors responsible for the pathophysiologic changes of PIH.