Low Serum Calcium Levels in Pre-eclampsia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Pre-eclampsia remains the most threatening obstetric complication in Pakistan, resulting in high fetomaternal morbidity and mortality. Etiology of pre-eclampsia is not still clearly established. Association of low serum calcium levels with pre-eclampsia may be a factor in poorly nourished women, and some preventive measures may help to reduce the burden of disease. Objective To compare mean serum calcium levels in preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women at third trimester of gestation. Study design Cross-sectional study. Place and duration of study The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unit-1, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore, from July 2012 to July 2013. Methodology Two hundred patients were enrolled in the study. One hundred each in case and control group. History and examination performed. Proteinuria was checked by dip stick methods. Peripheral venous blood samples were taken to determine mean serum calcium levels of both the groups. Oral calcium supplementation was analyzed through stratification. Data was analyzed through SPSS by applying student's t test and calculating p-value. Results The mean serum calcium levels of the case group were 8.313 ± 0.377 while that of control group were 9.40 ± 0.427 with p-value 0.016. With increasing proteinuria (determined by dipstick method) and so the severity of pre-eclampsia, a gradual fall in serum calcium levels was observed. Conclusion Serum calcium levels in pre-eclamptic pregnant women are lower than in normal pregnant women and so hypocalcemia is associated with pre-eclampsia. How to cite this article Rashid B, Richard MM, Gul-E-Rana. Low Serum Calcium Levels in Pre-eclampsia. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2015;7(3):126-129.