Magnesium content and dopamine beta-hydroxylase activity in serum of pregnant women with and without postpartum depression. Preliminary study

摘要

The serum magnesium content, serum dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) activity and depressive symptoms were assessed in the post-delivery period of 27 women admitted to the hospital in Krakow (Poland) for the childbirth in 2002 and 2003. The psychopathological status was assessed using the BDI on the III term, and EPDS on the 3rd and 30th day after delivery. Blood samples were collected at the same time. The magnesium content in the serum was estimated colorimetrically, the DBH activity by the Nagatsu and Undenfried method, modified by Grabowska and Guminska (1996). Total group of pregnant women was divided to two groups: without and with pre- or postpartum depression (PPD). Statistically significant changes in serum magnesium content were observed in 3 days after delivery in women without PPD in comparison to women with PPD (1.30 ± 0.50; 1.67 ± 0.32; p < 0.05). Several correlations between factors examined were found which depends on period of pregnancy.