Relationship between serum zinc levels and preeclampsia at the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia

Abstract

Background: Preeclampsia is one of the common conditions in the pregnant mothers in Zambia. This condition has been shown in some studies to be associated with increased oxidative stress. This study aimed at evaluating the association of zinc, an important cofactor in the antioxidant metalloproteins in the aetiology of preeclampsia

Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study design was employed on conveniently sampled 41 preeclamptic and 57 non-preeclamptic pregnant women over a four month period at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. Serum samples from participants were analysed for Zinc concentration by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry.

Results: There was no significant difference in the mean serum Zinc levels between the preeclamptic and the nonpreeclamptic pregnant women.

Conclusion: Based on our findings serum zinc level is not associated with the occurrence of preeclampsia .