Association of Serum 25(OH) D Levels with Gestational Hypertension and Risk of Pre-eclampsia in Our Population

Abstract

Background: Pre-eclampsia is a syndrome of immune system of pregnant females, which causes severe obstetrical complications. Low serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin-D is common during pregnancy complicated with preeclampsia but local evidence is missing.

Aim: To determine the association of pre-eclampsia with decreased vitamin- D levels during two phases of gestation (after 20 weeks) over a period of six months.

Study design: Cohort study

Place and duration of study: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lady Willingdon Hospital, Lahore from 4^th February 2019 to 3^rd August 2019.

Methodology: One hundred and seventy females were enrolled in study at 20 weeks gestational age. They were divided into two groups (85 patients in each group). Those with normal Vitamin D₃ levels (>30 ng/ml) were grouped as Low risk group and those with relatively low (insufficient) serum vitamin D₃ levels (between 21-29 ng/ml) were grouped as high-risk group with potential risk factor for pre-eclampsia. Both groups were followed from 24⁺¹ weeks to 36 weeks of gestation with every two weeks’ interval, for assessment of development of pre-eclampsia or not. Both groups were followed up and outcome was noted.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 26.44±4.08 years and mean gestational age was 35.47±2.34 weeks. One hundred and 42(83.53%) patients appeared with PIH while 28(16.47%) patients appeared with preeclampsia. Among high risk patients, preeclampsia was noted in 26(30.6%) patients while in low risk group patients, preeclampsia was noted in 2(2.4%) patients (p<0.001).

Conclusion: A significant association observed between pre-eclampsia and decreased vitamin D level during phases of pregnancy.

Keywords: Vitamin D level, Preeclampsia, Hypertension