Plasma Calcium Levels in Preeclampsia Versus Normotensive Pregnant Women in a Tertiary Hospital: A Comparative Study

Abstract

The role of calcium supplementation in pregnancy to prevent preeclampsia is conflicting. The goal was to determine if there was significant difference between plasma calcium levels in women with preeclampsia and normotensive pregnant women. This was a cross-sectional study of 90 consecutive preeclamptic and 90 normotensive pregnant. Blood samples were taken from them and the plasma isolated from each was analyzed using colorimetric method for calcium and albumin employing calcium kit, albumin kit and spectrum lab 7225 spectrophotometer set (Bran Scientific and Instrument Company, England). The data was analysed using SPSS version 16. Their mean ages were 28.67 ± 5.23 and 28.33 ± 5.06 years respectively (preeclamptic vs. normotensive women respectively; P = 0.688). Majority of them were nullipara (48, 53.3% and 46, 51.1% of preeclamptic and normotensive women respectively). The mean gestational age of the preeclamptic women was 36.38 ± 2.54 weeks while that of the normotensive women was 36.24 ± 2.34 years, (P = 0.715). The plasma calcium level in preeclamptic women was significantly lower than in normotensive pregnant women (2.07 ± 0.318 mmol/L vs.2.41 ± 0.224 mmol/L, P \ 0.001). Preeclamptic women have significantly lower plasma calcium levels than normotensive pregnant women in our community. Routine calcium supplementation for pregnant women at risk of developing preeclampsia is therefore recommended.

Impact of vitamin D binding protein (GC) and vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism on the risk of developing preeclampsia

“…All of these investigations confirm our findings. In line with prior investigations, we additionally found that preeclamptic women had very low calcium levels [ 36 ].…”

Can Placental Histopathological Lesions Be a Guide to Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Patients With Preeclampsia?

“…In the current study, lower calcium level in umbilical-cord blood gas analysis as well as lower maternal serum calcium levels were found in the PE group compared with the control group. It is a known fact that calcium plays a crucial role in the fetal-placental-preeclampsia axis (23,24). Based on previous studies, patients with PE have low calcium levels and the benefits of prophylactic calcium replacement has been suggested (23,24).…”

“…It is a known fact that calcium plays a crucial role in the fetal-placental-preeclampsia axis (23,24). Based on previous studies, patients with PE have low calcium levels and the benefits of prophylactic calcium replacement has been suggested (23,24). Sende et al similarly found that plasma calcium levels in PE group were significantly lower than in normotensive group (24).…”

“…Based on previous studies, patients with PE have low calcium levels and the benefits of prophylactic calcium replacement has been suggested (23,24). Sende et al similarly found that plasma calcium levels in PE group were significantly lower than in normotensive group (24). Haller et al showed that the basal intracellular free Ca +2 level in platelets was higher in the PE group compared to the control group (25).…”

Serum Calcium Levels in Preeclampsia

“…The present findings are in accordance to the results of previous studies. A study showed significantly reduced plasma calcium in preeclampsia than in the normal pregnancy (2.07 ± 0.318 mmol/L vs. 2.41 ± 0.224 mmol/L, P < 0.001), recommending calcium supplementation in pregnancy to decrease risk for preeclampsia [9]. Another study conducted on Bangladeshi women revealed that serum calcium levels were less in preeclampsia as compared to normal pregnancy (7.63±0.42 vs 8.12±0.94mg/dl, respectively) [10].…”