PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF SERUM MAGNESIUM LEVEL AS A MARKER OF ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION IN PREMATURE BIRTH NEONATES

Optimal magnesium supply during pregnancy and overcoming magnesium deficiency is essential due to its physiological role in many metabolic processes. Metabolic transformations with magnesium are necessary for the vitamin D activation, energy supply for homocysteine restoration, and regulation of nitric oxide synthesis. Magnesium deficiency increases the risk of premature birth, and the diffusion of magnesium to the fetus increases precisely from the second trimester of pregnancy, therefore, its deficiency can adversely affect neonatal adaptation. The aim of this work was to investigate the relationship between the serum magnesium level and markers of endothelial dysfunction and the clinical features of the early neonatal period course. Results. The average level of serum magnesium in 58 premature birth neonates was 1.21 ± 1.09 mg/dl on the first day. A borderline low level of serum magnesium (less than 1.2 mg/dl) was found in 72.41% of the examined children. Statistical analysis did not reveal a relationship between the serum magnesium level on the first day after birth and the studied markers of endothelial dysfunction (eNOS gene variants, nitric oxide level). A positive correlation was found between serum magnesium level and Apgar scores in newborns. For nitric oxide, a negative correlation with the Apgar 2 score and a positive correlation with the degree of respiratory failure were found. Serum magnesium and nitric oxide levels in premature birth neonates measured on the first day after birth enable to assess the course of the antenatal period and to predict postpartum adaptation.