Correlation of magnesium levels in cord blood and maternal serum among pre-eclamptic pregnant women treated with magnesium sulfate

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between cord blood and maternal serum magnesium levels among pre-eclamptic pregnant women treated with magnesium sulfate. Materials and Methods: A total of 36 pregnant women, > 28 weeks' gestation, diagnosed with pre-eclampsia and treated with magnesium sulfate (MgSO 4 ), were enrolled. Maternal and umbilical cord blood samples were obtained immediately after delivery and sent for determination of magnesium and calcium levels. Results: Mean maternal age was 27.4 ± 6.4 years and mean gestational age was 38.1 ± 1.8 weeks. Most were diagnosed with pre-eclampsia (94.5%), others had HELLP syndrome. Mean total MgSO 4 the women received was 14.4 ± 6.0 g and mean duration of treatment was 5.1 ± 3.3 h. Mean maternal serum and cord blood magnesium levels were 2.2 ± 0.4 and 1.8 ± 0.3 mmol/L, respectively. Maternal magnesium and calcium levels showed significant positive correlation with their levels in cord blood (P < 0.001). Significant positive correlation was found between total dose as well as duration of MgSO 4 and maternal and cord blood magnesium levels (P < 0.001) but was inversely correlated with maternal and cord blood calcium levels. Conclusions: Maternal serum magnesium and calcium levels were correlated with cord blood levels in pre-eclamptic pregnant women who received MgSO 4 therapy. © 2011 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.