Objective: In our study, serum zinc and copper levels, and ceruloplasmin oxidase activity were investigated in two of the pregnancy complications; preeclampsia and missed abortion.

Material and Method: For this purpose, serum zinc, copper and ceruloplasmin oxidase activity levels of the patients diagnosed with frequently seen pregnancy complications preeclampsia (n =10) and missed abortion (n =20) were compared with healthy pregnant women (n =10 and n =20, respectively) of corresponding weeks. Serum zinc and copper levels were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Ceruloplasmin oxidase activity was determined spectrophotometrically.

Results: In the preeclampsia group, zinc levels were found to be diminished compared with controls, however this difference was not statistically significant. Serum copper and ceruloplasmin oxidase activity were detected to be increased (p <0.05). While no significant difference in serum zinc levels of patients diagnosed with missed abortion compared with control group was found, there was a decrease in serum copper levels and ceruloplasmin oxidase activity (p <0.05). A positive correlation was present between ceruloplasmin activities and copper levels of all groups (for preeklampsia r =0,869 p <0,001 and for missed abortion r =0,902 p <0,001).

Conclusion: These results suggest that serum copper and ceruloplasmin oxidase parameters might be important for both preeclampsia and missed abortion, and further farreaching studies are needed to be conducted on this subject.