Comparison of Serum C-reactive Protein, Parathyroid Hormone, and Calcitonin Levels between Pregnant and Non Pregnant Women from Rural North Gujarat: A Case-control Study

Abstract

Introduction: Pregnancy requires women to provide calcium to foetus in amounts that may exceed their daily intake. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a susceptible marker of systemic inflammation. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) regulates foeto-placental mineral homeostasis and skeletal development and stimulates placental calcium transfer. The increase in calcitonin and calcitriol levels are significant in the transport of maternal calcium to the fetus and in the anticipation, and revival of maternal bone loss. These changes have direct implications on calcium metabolism and cause decreased albumin level, inflammation, increase in extracellular fluid volume, increase in renal function, and placental calcium transfer. Aim: To assess the serum levels of CRP, calcitonin, and PTH in the first, second, and third trimester of pregnancy and also to compare these parameters with non pregnant women. Materials and Methods: The present case-control study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry of Nootan Medical College and Research Centre, Visnagar, Gujarat, from June 2021 to October 2021. A total of 150 subjects (75 age-and sex-matched apparently healthy well-nourished non pregnant females, and 75 pregnant females) were included. CRP, PTH, and calcitonin were measured. Statistical analysis was performed using Independent t-test, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r). Results: Mean age of participants in case group was 32.16±10.97 (mean±SD). The mean age of control was 30.54±6.63. Serum CRP level of cases was significantly higher 3.2±2.2 than the level in controls 2.3±1.8 (p=0.003). Serum PTH level of cases 31.6±10.4 was significantly lower (p=0.0012) than the level in controls 45.9±9.8. Serum calcitonin level of cases 281±143 was significantly higher (p<0.001) than the level in controls 103±46. Conclusion: There was a significant increase in serum CRP level and serum calcitonin level in cases as compared with controls while there is decrease in serum PTH levels between these two groups.