Publication:

An observational study of serum vitamin D levels in preeclamptic and eclamptic pregnant women in labour

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.