A study of serum magnesium in pre-eclampsia and eclampsia

In animals neuromuscular disorders have been reported due to magnesium deficiency. Severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia are associated with convulsions. Therefore, we estimated serum magnesium levels in 30 patients with pre-eclampsia and fifteen patients of eclampsia. Statistically significant fall in serum magnesium has been observed in preeclampsia and eclampsia. In eclampsia serum magnesium was markedly reduced than in pre-eclampsia. Administration of magnesium sulphate to these patients was beneficial in relieving severity of the disease. Role of magnesium in pre-eclampsia and eclampsia is discussed.