Project Abstract

Abstract
Preeclampsia is a serious complication of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organ systems, most often the liver and kidneys. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of serum electrolytes (sodium Na+, potassium K, chloride Cl, and bicarbonate HCO3-) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in preeclampsia patients compared to healthy pregnant women. A total of 100 pregnant women were included in the study, with 50 diagnosed with preeclampsia and 50 serving as the control group. Serum samples were collected from all participants, and the levels of sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, and CRP were measured using standard laboratory methods. The results showed that preeclampsia patients had significantly higher levels of sodium and CRP compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In contrast, there were no significant differences in potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate levels between the two groups (p > 0.05). Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between sodium levels and CRP levels in preeclampsia patients (r = 0.45, p < 0.01), indicating a potential relationship between inflammation and electrolyte imbalance in this condition. These findings suggest that monitoring serum electrolyte levels, particularly sodium, and CRP may provide valuable information in the evaluation and management of preeclampsia. Early detection of electrolyte imbalances and inflammation in preeclampsia patients could help in timely interventions and improved maternal and fetal outcomes. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms linking electrolyte disturbances and inflammation in preeclampsia and to determine the clinical implications of these findings. Additionally, prospective studies with larger sample sizes are needed to validate the current results and establish more robust guidelines for the monitoring and treatment of preeclampsia. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of evaluating serum electrolytes, particularly sodium, and CRP levels in preeclampsia patients. These biomarkers may serve as valuable tools in the assessment of disease severity and progression, ultimately contributing to better management strategies and outcomes for women affected by this potentially life-threatening condition.

Project Overview

INTRODUCTION

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy specific syndrome and is one of the leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Preeclampsia is defined as the existence of hypertension, proteinuria and edema, occurring after 20 weeks of gestation in previously normotensive women, (Sunithaet al.,2012)

The aetiology of preeclampsia is yet unknown, however, it is associated with alteration in electrolyte status in pregnant women (electrolytes like sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate etc). Hypertension is a universal problem and it complicates at least 10% of all pregnancies. Fluid and electrolyte abnormalities are common in critically ill patients of which preeclampsia patients are not excluded,(Indumati et al.,2011). Hypertension or high blood pressure occurs when the blood flowing through the artery walls move faster and harder than needed. This excess pressure unnecessarily pounds the blood vessels and can cause them to get weak. However, when too much sodium is ingested, it can cause the body to retain more water and fluid than is necessary. This hoarding of excess fluid or water by the body and its continuous movement through the body causes blood pressure to increase inside the blood vessel walls,(Carretero and Oparil, 2015).

Electrolyte imbalances have been in the spotlight of medical focus for quite sometime and this has to do with the fact that electrolytes play paramount roles in acid base balance, muscle function as well as serving as co-factors for enzymes. Abnormal electrolyte concentrations may be the cause of, or consequence of a variety of medical disorders, (Burtis and Burns, 2015).

Electrolytes are charged low-molecular-mass molecules that are  present in plasma and cytosol; usually ions of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, bicarbonate, phosphate, sulfate and lactate,(Brutis and Bruns,2015).Electrolytes may be classified as anions, which are negatively charged ions that migrate towards the anode or as cations, which are positively charged ions that migrate towards the cathode, with the anode being the positive electrode and the cathode being the negative electrode, all in an electrochemical environment,(Indumati et al.,2011).