Effect of Magnesium Sulphate on Cardiac Biomarkers in Pre-eclamptic Patients in Selected Tertiary Hospitals in Osun State South Western Nigeria

Aims: This study investigated the effect of Magnesium Sulphate (MgSO4) on cardiac biomarkers in the management of pre-eclampsia in selected tertiary hospitals in Osun State, Nigeria. This was with a view to provide scientific report for the use of MgSO4 in the management of pre-eclampsia, and also to investigate likely adverse effects of MgSO4 on the biological functions of the heart.

Study Design: One-factor, two controls - six test groups quasi - experimental design.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria, between November 2013 and July 2014.

Methodology: A total of two hundred and sixty (260) subjects were recruited for the study, and were grouped into normotensive pregnant women at 2nd and 3rd trimesters (n=20/trimester), pre-eclamptic women not on MgSO4 at 2nd and 3rd trimesters (n=10/trimester) and pre-eclamptic women on MgSO4 at 2nd and 3rd trimesters (n=60/trimester). Also normotensive pregnant women at post-partum (n=20) and pre-eclamptic women on MgSO4 at post-partum (n=60). Blood samples (10 mL venous blood) were collected, centrifuged and stored as plasma before subjection to biochemical analysis. Blood plasma was analyzed for cardiac biomarker using standard Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Spectrophotometric methods.

Results: Results revealed that cardiac biomarkers (plasma troponin, c-reactive protein and creatine) were significantly decreased in pre-eclamptic women on MgSO4 at both 2nd and 3rd trimesters compared to their counterparts not on MgSO4, while creatine-kinase, lactate dehydrogenase aspartate aminotransferase, and myoglobin showed non-significant reduction in same comparison. Moreover, with exception of lactate dehydrogenase that showed non-significant reduction, all cardiac biomarkers at 3-6 days post-partum decreased significantly compared to Pre-eclamptic Women on MgSO4 at 3rd trimester.

Conclusion: The results obtained from this work revealed that MgSO4 exhibits safe and protective roles devoid of any adverse effects on the hearts of pre-eclamptic women. This study further agrees with the existing usage of Magnesium Sulphate as an anti-convulsant in the management of pre-eclampsia.