THE RELATION BETWEEN PREECLAMPSIA AND CHEMICAL-CONSTITUENTS OF DRINKING WATERS IN SAUDI-ARABIA

Objectives: This study was conducted to detect any association between incidence rates of pre-eclampsia and chemical constituents of drinkin g waters, mainly magnesium and calcium levels. Methods: In this ecolon ical study we observed the incidence of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia at 7 different regions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) over a perio d of 13 years (1401h-1413h). Chemical analysis of 345 samples of drink ing water in these regions were carried out. The results were compared with the corresponding incidence rates of pre-eclampsia and maternal mortalities. Results: Holy Makkah showed significantly lower incidence rates of pre-eclampsia and maternal mortality than the other six regi ons studied, and this difference was consistent over the 13 years stud ied. Negative correlation was found between magnesium level in drinkin g: waters and incidence rates of pre-eclampsia and maternal mortalitie s. Conclusion: These results suggest a protective role for magnesium l evel in drinking water against pre-eclampsia.