Niveles séricos de cinc y de cobre, y relación Cu/Zn, en embarazadas con preeclampsia

Abstract

Background: Eclampsia and preeclampsia are important cause of morbidity and mortality during pregnancy. Of the estimated 500.000 maternal deaths every year worldwide, 10% to 15% are associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Surprisingly little information is available on the possible role of trace elements: copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in these diseases. Objective: The aim of this study was to determinate serum Cu and Zn, and the Cu/Zn ratio in 56 healthy pregnant women and in 50 pregnant with preeclampsia. Design: Descriptive, prospective and experimental study. Setting: Autonomous Institute University Hospital of The Andes and El Llano El Llano and Venezuela Ambulatories type III. Merida. Merida State. Venezuela. Results: Mean serum Cu was significantly (p<0.05) lower in MedULA, Revista de Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Los Andes. Vol. 9 No 1-4. 2000. (2003). Merida. Venezuela. 14 women with preeclampsia whereas serum Zn tend to increase and Cu/Zn ratio decreases significantly (p<0.05). Conclusions: It is probable that in preeclampsia, high serum copper values may precede deterioration of the toxemic condition, while low values may indicate damage of placental tissue and impending fetal death. Low values of serum copper are associated also with hypertension in preeclampsia. Serum copper, serum zinc and Cu/Zn ratio may serve as an indicator of normal placental function.