Trace Element Status and Risk of Preeclampsia in Pregnant Women in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo: A Prospective Cohort Study

Introduction: There appears to be insufficient evidence on the association between trace elements status and pregnancy outcomes. The objective of this research is to determine the incidence of preeclampsia in pregnant women in Kisangani, and the mean trace elements at the time of the onset of preeclampsia. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study in 8 health facilities in the city of Kisangani from January 9, 2023 to September 9, 2023. The study population consisted of all pregnant women attending the selected hospitals. Our sample size was 636 individuals. Micronutrient concentrations in sera were analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometer (ICP-MS Agilent 7700X). Statistical data analysis was done using R software version 4.3.0. Results: The incidence of preeclampsia in our respondents in general was 46.8%. In pregnant women with low trace elements status, it was 70.9% (RR: 2.97; CI: 2.46-3.60; p-value˂0.001). At the time of diagnosis of preeclampsia, the mean selenium and zinc were 0.48 ± 0.24 micromol/L and 8.72 ± 2.53 micromol/L. The copper mode was 12.01 micromol/l. Calcium had an average of 1.44 ± 0.56 mmol/l; and magnesium from 0.48 ± 0.2 mmol/l. Conclusion: Preeclampsia remains common in medical practice in low-income countries. The increased demand for trace elements during pregnancy in a field already deficient in micronutrients only accentuates their deficiency and facilitates the occurrence of certain morbidities such as preeclampsia.