Maternal Serum Magnesium Level and Low Birth Weight Neonate

BACKGROUND: The aim of study was to compare the serum level of magnesium in mothers having low birth weight with those having normal birth weight neonates. METHODS: In a case-control study, women who delivered low birth weight neonate (cases), compared with normal birth weight (controls) in serum concentration of magnesium. Blood samples collected within 24 h after delivery. Concentration of magnesium assessed by standard atomic absorption spectro-photometry. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to control of potential confounding variables. RESULTS: A total of 116 mothers (67 cases and 49 control) were studied. Mothers in two groups did not differ in age, body mass index, and socioeconomic or demographic factors. Maternal magnesium concentration did not differ between two groups 0.86 ± 0.11 m.mol/l versus 0.94 ± 0.22 m.mol/l respectively (P = 0.09). CONCLUSION: There is no significant difference between serum magnesium levels of low birth weight infants’ mother and normal weight infants’ mother.