Blood cell lead, calcium, and magnesium levels associated with pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia

This study compares the red blood cell (Rbc) levels of lead (Pb), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) in relation to blood pressure in 39 pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy. The study population included 20 women with normal pregnancies, 15 with mild hypertension, and 4 with severe hypertension and preeclampsia. The mean +/- SD for each group was calculated and the difference between the means of the normotensive and the other groups were compared by analysis of variance. Significant differences from normal to the preeclamptic pregnancies were in (1) elevated Rbc Pb (p less than or equal to 0.001), (2) lower Rbc Ca (p less than or equal to 0.001), and (3) lower Rbc Mg/Pb ratio (p less than or equal to 0.0001). Pearson's rank correlation between blood pressure showed a direct relation to the Rbc Pb level (p less than or equal to 0.01) and an inverse relation to the Rbc Ca and Mg/Pb ratio (p less than or equal to 0.004, less than or equal to 0.007). Apparently, prenatal blood pressure is directly proportional to Rbc Pb content and related or modified by Rbc Ca and Mg.