Preterm Delivery: Role of Zinc

Abstract

Background: Preterm delivery is a very challenging obstetric complication in Bangladesh. Reduced
serum zinc (Zn) concentration of the pregnant mother may have some role in causing preterm delivery.
Objectives: To measure serum zinc level in preterm delivery mother and their respective neonates to
observe their status. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of
Physiology, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Mitford Hospital, Dhaka, during the period of 1st January
to 31st December 2009. A total 136 subjects were included in this study, of whom 27 were full term
delivery mother with their respective neonates (group B), treated as control group and another 27
were preterm delivery mothers with their respective neonates (group C), treated as study group. Age
ranged of preterm and full term mother were from 20-40 years. Again, 28 non pregnant women with age
range from 20-30 years were taken as reference value (groupa A). Statistical analysis was done by
using appropriate method as applicable. Results: Mean serum zinc level was significantly (p<0.001)
lower in preterm mother in comparison to that of full term mother and also in preterm neonates than
that of full term neonates. Serum total protein and albumin were significantly (p<0.001) lower in
preterm mother than those of full term mother and also in preterm neonates than those of their
respective mothers and full term neonates. Again, maternal serum zinc level showed positive correlation
with birth weight of neonates and also with zinc concentration of neonatal blood. Conclusions: The
present study revealed a lower level of serum zinc in pre-term delivery mother and their neonates.
These hypozincemia may be responsible for low birth weight of the fetus.

Key Words: Zinc; preterm

DOI: 10.3329/jbsp.v5i1.5415

J Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2010 June; 5(1): 27-33