An observational study of serum vitamin D levels in preeclamptic and eclamptic pregnant women in labour
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20263115Keywords:
Vitamin D deficiency, Preeclampsia, Eclampsia, Pregnancy-induced hypertensionAbstract
Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), particularly preeclampsia and eclampsia, are major causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Emerging evidence suggests that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to the pathogenesis of these disorders through its effects on placental function, immune regulation, and vascular health.
Methods: This hospital-based observational cross-sectional study was conducted at Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College and Hospital over one year. A total of 112 pregnant women in labor were included, comprising 56 cases (preeclampsia/eclampsia) and 56 healthy normotensive controls. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were measured using chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA). Serum calcium levels and relevant clinical and laboratory parameters were also assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using PSPP version 2.0.1.
Results: Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were significantly more common among cases compared to controls (p=0.021), while sufficient vitamin D levels predominated among controls. Vitamin D deficiency was more frequently observed in women with eclampsia, indicating an association with increasing disease severity. Serum calcium deficiency was also significantly higher among cases than controls (p<0.001). Additionally, systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly elevated among cases (p<0.001).
Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency and low serum calcium levels were significantly associated with preeclampsia and eclampsia. Lower vitamin D levels were linked with greater disease severity, suggesting a potential role of vitamin D in HDP. Further studies are required to evaluate the role of routine screening and supplementation during pregnancy.
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