A study on the association of vitamin Ddeficiency with pre-eclampsia and eclampsia

Abstract

Background: The etiology of pre-eclampsia (PE) is not yet fully known,
although current literature indicates an inflammatory mediators produced by
the placenta as a potential causal mechanism. Vitamin D is emerging as a
promising agent for pre-eclampsia prevention. This study was done to
determine whether vitamin D deficiency is an independent risk factor for preeclampsia/eclampsia.
Methods: A prospective case-control study was conducted on 60 cases and 60
controls (with same age and sex matched without risk of pre-eclampsia) groups
pregnant women admitted to our tertiary care hospital between July 2016 and
august 2017. Detailed history and complete physical examination was done in
all patients. It was recorded on a pre planned record sheet. All the
Investigations carried out at were recorded in this record sheet throughout the
duration of the study. Hypertension is diagnosed when 2 B.P. (Blood pressure)
readings of 140/90 mm Hg or greater are noted 6 hours apart within a 1-week
period.
Results: This study showed a very high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in
pregnant women, 90% women with preeclampsia and eclampsia had Vitamin
D deficiency (vit D<20ng/ml) as compared to 3.33% in the control group,
which was statistically significant (p value < 0.05). Mean serum vit. D
concentration was lower in women who subsequently developed preeclampsia
and eclampsia (12.65±5.112) compared with controls (51.15±16.357),
statistically significant (p<0.05). Mean S. calcium level was lower in
preeclampsia and eclampsia (7.65±0.732) as compared to control (8.87±1.186)
which was also statistically significant (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Maternal vitamin Ddeficiency may bean independent riskfactor
for preeclampsia. Vitamin D and calcium supple mentation in early pregnancy
should be given for preventing pre-eclampsia/eclampsia and to promote
neonatal well-being.