Red Cell Deformability and Serum Magnesium Level in Pre-eclampsia

The study was conducted to find out the changes of red cell deformability (RCD) and serum magnesium (Mg2+) level with severity of pre-eclampsia (PE) and relationship between these two parameters in mild and severe PE patients. This cross-sectional study was carried out in 32 mild PE patients and 32 severe PE patients. The RCD was determined by whole blood filtration method and serum Mg2+ level was determined by colorimetric test with Chlorophosphonazo III method. The RCD was expressed as flow rate (volume of blood filtered per minute) and red cell deformability index (RCDI) (flow rate multiplied by PCV before filtration in proportion). Flow rate and RCDI of severe PE patients were significantly lower than those of mild PE patients (0.10±0.04 vs. 0.18±0.07 ml/min and 0.03±0.01 vs. 0.06±0.02) (p