Correlation of neonatal and maternal serum magnesium levels in pre-eclamptic women

Background: Pre-eclampsia carries high risk for pregnant women and their babies to develop a wide range of adverse outcomes. Unfortunately, some medications used in its management causes serious side effects if they were not monitored properly. Magnesium sulphte, being widely used in controlling and preventing convulsions in cases of severe preeclampsia, should be utilized cautiously by monitoring of its serum levels. Objective: The aim of this study was to correlate between cord blood and maternal serum magnesium levels in pre-eclamptic women received magnesium sulphate before delivery. Patients and Methods: Cohort study on 36 pregnant women, more than 28 weeks’ gestation, with the diagnosis of pre-eclampsia, who received magnesium sulphate (MgSO4), were recruited. Blood samples obtained from both maternal serum and cord blood was collected instantly at the time of delivery for detection of magnesium as well as calcium levels. Results: 94.5% were diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, while the rest had HELLP syndrome. The treated women received total mean MgSO4 of 14.4±6.0 grams during a mean duration of 5.1±3.3 hours. Mean±SD of maternal and cord magnesium levels were (2.2±0.4mmol/L) and (1.8±0.3mmol/L), respectively. Significant positive correlation (P<0.001) between maternal magnesium and calcium levels was detected. Also, the total dose as well as the MgSO4 duration with maternal and cord blood magnesium levels showed significant positive correlation (P<0.001), but with inverse correlation with both mother’s and early neonatal calcium levels. Conclusion: Magnesium and calcium detected in maternal serum and cord blood had correlated levels in pre-eclamptic women who were treated with MgSO 4 therapy. As strong correlations of both magnesium and calcium between the mothers and their fetuses were demonstrated, health-care providers could use such information to give better and safer care for these patients.