Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Preeclampsia is a serious complication of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure and often the presence of protein in the urine. It can lead to severe complications for both the mother and the baby if not managed promptly. Electrolyte imbalances have been implicated in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia, with sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate playing crucial roles in maintaining normal physiological functions. Additionally, inflammation has been suggested to play a role in the development and progression of preeclampsia, with C-reactive protein (CRP) being a marker of systemic inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate) and C-reactive protein in preeclampsia patients compared to normotensive pregnant women. A total of 100 participants were recruited, including 50 preeclampsia patients and 50 normotensive pregnant women as controls. Serum samples were collected and analyzed for sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, and CRP levels using standard laboratory methods. The results showed that preeclampsia patients had significantly higher levels of sodium and chloride compared to normotensive pregnant women (p < 0.05). In contrast, potassium levels were significantly lower in preeclampsia patients compared to controls (p < 0.05). Bicarbonate levels were also lower in preeclampsia patients, but the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Furthermore, CRP levels were significantly elevated in preeclampsia patients compared to controls (p < 0.05), indicating the presence of systemic inflammation in these patients. The findings of this study suggest that alterations in serum electrolyte levels, particularly sodium, potassium, and chloride, may play a role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. The elevated CRP levels further support the involvement of inflammatory processes in the development of this condition. Monitoring these biomarkers in preeclampsia patients could potentially aid in the early detection and management of the disease, leading to improved outcomes for both the mother and the baby. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these electrolyte imbalances and inflammatory responses in preeclampsia, paving the way for targeted therapeutic interventions.

Thesis 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).