Status of zinc and copper in pregnant women and their changes during preeclampsia

In order to evaluate the status of zinc and copper in pregnant women and in preeclampsia, we conducted a prospective case-control study. It involved 56 pregnant women compared with 30 non-pregnant women selected as controls. For pregnant women, serum levels of zinc, copper and ceruloplasmin were determined quarterly. These same measurements were performed once in controls. The comparison of various parameters in normal pregnancy and in control women revealed a statistically significant decrease in serum levels of zinc from 1st to 3rd quarter. The serum levels of copper were normal both in controls and in parturients. However, a significant increase of copper levels from 1st to 3rd quarter of pregnancy was found. The serum levels of ceruloplasmin appear to be invariable during pregnancy. Moreover, we noted a disturbance of these parameters in preeclampsia (hypozincemia, hypocupremia and a significant increase of ceruloplasmin). Zinc and copper are essential for the development and fetal growth. Their involvement in several maternal-fetal complications is not currently in any doubt.