STUDY OF SERUM ZINC LEVEL IN PREGNANT WOMEN WITH PREECLAMPSIA AND COMPARISON WITH NORMAL PREGNANT WOMEN IN MOATAZEDI HOSPITAL, KERMANSHAH (2004-2005).

Zinc as an essential element has an important role in organogenesis and fetal growth. Normal serum zinc level in adults is between 80 and 150 µg/dl. Daily zinc requirement increases during pregnancy by 25%. Lower serum zinc level in pregnant women is associated with higher rate of maternal and fetal complications. Considering the importance of zinc and its role in pregnancy, this study was conducted to evaluate serum zinc level in pregnant women with preeclampcia.

Methods & Materials: 227 normal pregnant women and 227 pregnant women with preeclampsia were enrolled in this case-control study. Serum zinc concentration was measured by atomic absorption method. Data were collected using questionnaires. And were analyzed using SPSS software and statistical test including ANONA, Chi-square, t-test and Pearson correlation. P-values less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Mean serum zinc in pregnant women with preeclampsia and control group were 55.76 and 65.99 µg/ml, respectively. Frequency of zinc deficiency in case group (80%) in comparison to control group (60%) showed significant difference (0.000). There was no significant correlation between family salary, number of pregnancies, and body mass index with serum zinc level.

Conclusion: This study revealed significant lower serum zinc level in pregnant women with preeclampsia in comparisons to control group. Considering risks and complication of zinc deficiency in pregnant women, we recommend further interventional studies to evaluate the effectiveness of zinc supplements during pregnancy.