Evaluation of heavy metal levels in preeclampsia

Evaluatıon of Heavy Metal Levels ın Preeclampsıa Aim: Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and urine protein and is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality for both mother and newborn. The etiology of preeclampsia is still unknown. To determine the role of serum levels of heavy metals (Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb)) in the aetiology of preeclempsia Method: Eighty-one (81) pregnant women with preeclampsia and 50 healthy pregnant controls were recruited. Serum samples were collecte nad the levels of Cd and Pb were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry. Results: There was no statistically significant differences between pregnant women with preeclampsia and controls regarding age and body mass index. The median sera cadmium levels was 1472 µg/l (min:37,2; maks:13620) in women with preeclampsia and 2091 µg/l (min: 4.56; max: 9550) in control pregnant women. The median sera lead levels was 326 µg/l (min: 0,12; max:4238) in women with preeclampsia and 8,29 µg/l (min: 2,83; maks: 25,60) in healthy controls. There was no statistically significant difference sera between two groups regarding serujm cadmium levels, but there was statistically significant difference between two groups regarding serum lead levels. Conclusion: A significant difference in serum lead concentration was found between pregnant women with preeclampsia and healthy controls. This suggests that lead may be a contributing factor in the aetiology of preeclampsia. Keywords: Cadmium, Heavy Metal, Hypertension, Lead, Preeclampsia.