Maternal Serum Calcium/Magnesium Ratio and Electrolyte Levels as Biochemical Predictors in Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

A southern India-based study had shown prevalence of various HDP, which were gestational hypertension (47.4%), preeclampsia (32.6%), chronic hypertension (8.2%), and preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension (11.8%). 7A similar study in western India revealed that the overall prevalence of HDP was 7.8%. 8A study conducted in the northern region revealed that 6.9% of pregnant women had hypertension.The higher prevalence of HDP in third-world nations may be multifactorial, such as poverty, malnutrition, and lack of adequate healthcare facilities, etc. 9 The prevalence of anemia in India is estimated to be as high as 50% IntroductIonHypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), such as preeclampsia, encompass a wide range of conditions that can lead to significant health issues for both the mother and the baby, including high blood pressure (BP) and other complications. 1 The prevalence of this condition is believed to range from 3 to 12% among pregnant women.Preeclampsia and conditions arising out of it are among the major causes of maternal death globally. 2Although the deaths due to HDP are less frequent in developed countries, the morbidity associated with it significantly contributes to the number of intensive care unit (ICU) admissions during pregnancy in developing countries. 3Approximately 12-25% of fetal growth restriction infants, small for gestational age infants, and 15-20% of all preterm births are mainly due to preeclampsia.The associated complications are substantial, including neonatal deaths and serious long-term neonatal morbidity. 4ccording to a comprehensive review conducted by the World Health Organization, HDP are responsible for 16% of maternal deaths in America and Europe, 9% in Africa and Asia, and nearly 26% in Latin America and the Caribbean. 5Preeclampsia and eclampsia can lead to severe complications such as kidney failure, stroke, heart problems, breathing difficulties, blood clotting issues, and liver damage.In research conducted on hospitals managed by Health Care America Corporation, preeclampsia emerged as the second most common cause of pregnancy-related ICU admissions, after obstetric hemorrhage.