RED-BLOOD-CELL MAGNESIUM AND HYPOXIC-ISCHEMIC ENCEPHALOPATHY

In developing countries, birth asphyxia is frequently associated with hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy. This has been attributed to inadequa te obstetric care but poor nutrition may also be important. This study determines the association between magnesium stores and hypoxic ischa emic encephalopathy. The level of red blood cell magnesium was measure d on 572 women in labour and on selected offspring in a teaching hospi tal in South Africa. Fifty five of the 572 women delivered infants wit h hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy and had significantly lower red blo od cell magnesium levels (1.40 mmol/l) than controls. In the latter th e levels varied somewhat with the mode of delivery, vertex births 1.76 mmol/l, Caesarean sections 1.67 mmol/l and vacuum extractions 1.61 mm ol/l. Infants with hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy had a significantl y lower red blood cell magnesium level (1.39 mmol/l) than normal infan ts (1.61 mmol/l). Fifty four of 55 babies were black and from poor soc ial circumstances and nutritional deficiency may be relevant. Maternal height, age and the duration of labour did not influence the chance o f hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy and affected infants were more like ly than normal ones to be meconium stained (50%), to have a low Apgar score (58%) and to need endotracheal intubation at birth (54%). An int ervention study in early pregnancy may determine magnesium's role in h ypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy associated with asphyxia. (C) 1997 Els evier Science Ireland Ltd.