Trace Elements, Antioxidants, Uric Acid, C-Reactive Proteins and Estrogen Levels of Preeclamptic Pregnant Women in Owerri, Nigeria

Aims: The present study investigated levels of trace elements, antioxidants, uric acid, C-reactive proteins and estrogen in preeclamptic pregnant women in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria using patients from Federal Medical Centre (FMC) and specialists Hospital in Owerri, Nigeria.

Study Design: A total of 350 pregnant women between the ages of 20-40 years from two known hospitals in Owerri were examined for the study. The examined pregnant women were group into 160 normotensive pregnant women as control and 190 preeclamptic pregnant women.

Results and Discussion: Results obtained for serum trace elements revealed significant decrease (p<0.05) in preeclamptic pregnant women against normotensive pregnant women. Antioxidant vitamins C and E; and estrogen significantly decreased (p<0.05) in preeclamptic pregnant women against normotensive pregnant women. Uric acid and C-reactive protein levels increased in preeclamptic pregnant women against normotensive pregnant women. The decrease in trace elements could be linked to development of preeclampsia since some of these trace elements perform antioxidant function. Increased antioxidant activity and lipid peroxidation could be behind the reduced levels of vitamins C and E, and estrogen in preeclamptic pregnant women against normotensive pregnant women.

Conclusion: This study has revealed the trace elements, antioxidants, uric acid, C-reactive proteins, and estrogen levels of preeclamptic pregnant women in Owerri, Nigeria.