EVALUATION OF SERUM ELECTROLYTES (SODIUM NA+, POTASSIUM K, CHLORIDE CL, AND BICARBONATE HCO-3) AND C-REACTIVE PROTEIN IN PREECLAMPSIA PATIENTS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related disorder characterized by hypertension and proteinuria, affecting approximately 2-8% of pregnancies worldwide (Khan et al., 2020). The condition typically arises after the 20th week of gestation and is associated with significant maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality (Sibai et al., 2020). The pathophysiology of preeclampsia remains complex and is believed to involve multiple factors, including placental ischemia, immune system dysregulation, and oxidative stress, leading to systemic endothelial dysfunction (Harrison et al., 2019). Electrolyte imbalances, particularly in serum sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl-), and bicarbonate (HCO3-), have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, including preeclampsia (Villar et al., 2019).

Electrolytes play crucial roles in maintaining cellular function, fluid balance, and acid-base homeostasis, making them vital for the physiological adaptations during pregnancy (Watanabe et al., 2018). Sodium, for instance, is essential for regulating blood volume and pressure, while potassium contributes to cardiac function and neuromuscular excitability (Mahmood et al., 2018). Chloride serves as a counterion to sodium and is integral in maintaining osmotic pressure, whereas bicarbonate is pivotal in regulating the body's pH and acid-base balance (Benson et al., 2020). Abnormal serum electrolyte levels can significantly affect vascular tone, renal function, and placental blood flow, thereby contributing to the severity of preeclampsia (Palmer et al., 2021).

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase protein that rises in response to inflammation, making it a useful marker in evaluating various pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia (Baba et al., 2020). Elevated CRP levels have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, as they reflect an underlying inflammatory process that can lead to endothelial dysfunction and vascular complications (Shah et al., 2019). Research indicates that preeclamptic women often present with elevated levels of CRP, suggesting that inflammation may play a critical role in the development and progression of the disorder (Abalos et al., 2018). Furthermore, the interplay between serum electrolytes and CRP levels may provide insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying preeclampsia.

Given the rising incidence of preeclampsia and its associated complications, understanding the serum electrolyte profile and CRP levels in preeclamptic patients is imperative (Agarwal et al., 2021). This knowledge could enhance diagnostic accuracy and inform the development of therapeutic interventions aimed at managing electrolyte imbalances and reducing inflammatory responses in affected individuals (Rodriguez et al., 2020). This study aims to evaluate serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate) and C-reactive protein in preeclampsia patients, contributing valuable information to the existing literature on this critical aspect of maternal health.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Preeclampsia is a significant public health concern due to its association with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, including preterm birth, placental abruption, and maternal mortality (Chappell et al., 2021). Despite extensive research, the precise etiology of preeclampsia remains elusive, with existing studies indicating a multifactorial origin that involves genetic