srjcmsSRJCMSSRJCMS2788-8851https://doi.org/10.47310/srjcms.2025.v05i02.007Serum Zinc and Copper Levels in Preeclamptic and Normotensive Pregnant Women: A Case-Control Study in Kirkuk, IraqLaylaAbdulaali AzizMohammadFaiq AzizAylaKhedher GhalibM.B.Ch.B., F.I.C.O.G., Kirkuk Health, Directorate, IraqM.B.Ch.B., H.D.I.M. Kirkuk Health Directorate, IraqM.B.Ch.B., F.I.C.M.S., College of Medicine, University of Kirkuk, IraqBackground: The pathophysiology of Preeclampsia (PE) remains unclear, but alterations in trace elements, particularly zinc (Zn) and Copper (Cu), have been implicated. Previous studies have reported inconsistent findings regarding their role in PE. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate serum zinc and copper levels in preeclamptic women compared with normotensive pregnant women and to assess their correlation with maternal demographic and clinical parameters. Patients and Methods: A case-control study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Azadi Teaching Hospital, Kirkuk, Iraq, from February 1 to October 1, 2020. A total of 100 pregnant women aged 16-40 years with singleton viable pregnancies between 24-38 weeks were enrolled. They were divided into two groups: 50 women with PE (case group) and 50 normotensive women (control group). Venous blood samples were collected and serum zinc and copper levels were measured using a colorimetric method (spectrophotometer). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with independent t-tests and Pearson’s correlation applied. Results: The mean serum zinc level was significantly lower in preeclamptic women compared with controls (44.05±13.23 µg/dL vs. 96.09±15.32 µg/dL, p = 0.001). Zinc levels showed a strong negative correlation with systolic blood pressure (r = –0.780, p = 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (r = –0.783, p = 0.001), but no significant association with maternal age or BMI. Serum copper levels were also significantly lower in preeclamptic women (83.20±8.37 µg/dL) compared with normotensive women (87.42±9.21 µg/dL, p = 0.018). Copper levels were negatively correlated with systolic (r = –0.486, p = 0.001) and diastolic blood pressures (r = –0.529, p = 0.001), without significant correlation with age or BMI. Conclusion: Serum zinc and copper levels are significantly reduced in preeclamptic women compared with normotensive controls during the second and third trimesters. Both trace elements demonstrated an inverse relationship with blood pressure, supporting their potential role in the pathophysiology of PE. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring and possibly supplementing zinc and copper in pregnancy to reduce the risk and severity of preeclampsia.