Related Experiment Videos
Plasma and erythrocyte zinc concentrations in pre-eclampsia
T T Lao1, R K Chin, R Swaminathan
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong.
European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology
|February 1, 1989
Summary
This study found no significant differences in zinc levels between pre-eclamptic women and controls. Zinc deficiency is unlikely to be a major factor in pre-eclampsia, suggesting limited clinical value for zinc measurements.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
Background:
- Pre-eclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication.
- The role of micronutrients, such as zinc, in pre-eclampsia is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between plasma and erythrocyte zinc concentrations and pre-eclampsia.
- To determine if zinc status differs between pre-eclamptic women and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Plasma and erythrocyte zinc levels were measured in 28 Chinese pre-eclamptic women and 28 matched controls.
- Participants were compared based on gestational age, birth weight, and plasma urate concentrations.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in plasma or erythrocyte zinc concentrations were observed between pre-eclamptic and control groups.
- Higher plasma urate concentrations were found in pre-eclamptic patients with adverse fetal outcomes (preterm delivery or low birth weight).
- Zinc concentrations did not differ between subgroups of pre-eclamptic patients with varying fetal outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Zinc deficiency is unlikely to be a significant factor in pre-eclampsia among the studied population.
- Measuring plasma and erythrocyte zinc concentrations may have limited clinical utility in managing pre-eclampsia.