Possible Role for Serum Urea and Calcium in the Confirmation of Protein Energy Malnutrition in Pregnant Women in Enugu Metropolis of Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the potentials of serum urea and calcium as biological markers in the confirmation of Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) in pregnant women. Hundred and two (102) pregnant women were divided into two groups based on their level of serum total protein and serum albumin (known indicators of PEM), while fifty (50) non-pregnant women were recruited to form the third group as control. Serum total protein, serum albumin, urea and calcium levels were estimated in all the subjects using standard methods, and comparisons were made. The results showed a marked decrease in urea (23.40 ± 2.75) and calcium (10.00 ± 0.55) concentrations in subjects with low serum total protein and albumin that correlated positively and significantly with serum total protein and serum albumin. r = +0.681, P<0.05 and r = +0.246, P<0.05 respectively. This study also implicated Parity and gestational age of pregnancy as factors that aggravate PEM in pregnant women. Healthcare providers may therefore include urea and calcium estimation in their antenatal routine for checking PEM in pregnant women.