ESTIMATION OF SERUM ELECTROLYTES(Na, Ca ,K) AND PROTHROMBIN TIME IN GESTATIONAL HYPERTENSION

Introduction Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), also known as gestational hypertension, is a potentially life-threatening disorder that usually develops late in the second trimester or in the third trimester of pregnancy. Hypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy continue to be responsible for a large number of maternal deaths. Fetal mortality is also high due to the increased incidence of premature delivery and uteroplacental insufficiency. During pregnancy, the high demand for calcium by the fetus for skeletal development is facilitated by profound physiological interactions between mother and fetus. Moreover, Calcium supplement has been hypothesized to reduce the chances of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). ObjectiveTo compare the serum calcium, sodium and potassium levels and prothrombin time of normal pregnant women with those of women with gestational hypertension.Methodology This is a case-control study. 20 antenatal women with gestational hypertension attending Obstetric clinic in Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital were randomly selected as cases. 5 normal pregnant women were selected as controls. Informed consent was obtained. Blood was collected and serum electrolytes prothrombin time were estimated in both study and control group of women. Results On analyzing the data obtained, women with gestational hypertension had considerably lower serum calcium levels compared to normal pregnant women. There were no significant differences in Serum sodium, potassium levels and prothrombin time between the two groups.