Publication:

Association of vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy with preeclampsia and eclampsia

Background Vitamin D was considered important for bone and calcium. Historically thought to be important for bone and calcium metabolism but recent studies have redefined its role. There is some evidence now that low levels of Vitamin D are associated with the risk of preeclampsia but more studies are needed to prove the same. This study was done to determine whether vitamin D deficiency is an independent risk factor for preeclampsia/eclampsia.

Methods In this prospective case control study vitamin D levels were estimated in 92 women divided into two groups. Group 1(n = 42) included pregnant women with preeclampsia/eclampsia and group 2(n = 50) included uncomplicated pregnant women admitted in labour ward for delivery. The frequency of risk factors for preeclampsia/eclampsia were compared in two groups. Statistical analysis was done using the multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results Almost 100% women in both groups had low vitamin D levels. Mean serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly less in Group 1(6.7236ng/ml) as compared to group 2(9.8862 ng/ml, p = 0.004). 83.3% of women in group 1 had severe deficiency (25(OH)D levels <10 ng/ml) compared to 68% women in group 2. All women (100%) in group 1 had vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/ml) as compared to 92% in group 2 but this was not statistically significant.

Conclusions Although mean serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly less in preeclampsia/eclampsia group, prevelance of vitamin D deficiency was not significantly different in pregnant women with preeclampsia/eclampsia as compared to women who did not have preeclampsia/eclampsia.