Cord blood lipoprotein profile after magnesium sulphate treatment in pre-eclamptic patients

Aim: To determine lipoprotein metabolism alterations in magnesium-exposed neonates of women with pre-eclampsia. Methods: The study group comprised seven singleton neonates of women with pre-eclampsia at term and treated with magnesium sulphate. Controls were 26 neonates of uncomplicated pregnancies of term delivery. Total serum magnesium concentrations were analysed by the photometric colour method. Total serum cholesterol, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( HDL-C) levels were determined by enzymatic colour methods, while apoprotein ( apo)A-I and apo B values were measured by immunoturbidimetry. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C) levels were calculated by Friedewald's formula. Very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, total cholesterol/HDL-C, apo B/apo A-I, LDL-C/apo B, LDL-C/HDL-C, and HDL-C/apo A-I ratios were determined by calculation. Results: Magnesium levels of magnesium-exposed neonates were found to be 1.6 times higher than those of controls. Magnesium-exposed neonates had lower serum apo A-I levels, and they had higher apo B/apo A-I and HDL-C/apo A-I ratios when compared to controls. Conclusion: The lipoprotein profile became more atherogenic in magnesium-exposed neonates as it may be a potential risk factor of cardiovascular heart disease.