Background: The etiology of pre-eclampsia (PE) is not yet fully known, although current literature indicates an inflammatory mediators produced by the placenta as a potential causal mechanism. Vitamin D is emerging as a promising agent for pre-eclampsia prevention. This study was done to determine whether vitamin D deficiency is an independent risk factor for pre-eclampsia/eclampsia.

Methods:  A prospective case-control study was conducted on 60 cases and 60 controls (with same age and sex matched without risk of pre-eclampsia) groups pregnant women admitted to our tertiary care hospital between July 2016 and august 2017. Detailed history and complete physical examination was done in all patients. It was recorded on a pre planned record sheet. All the Investigations carried out at were recorded in this record sheet throughout the duration of the study. Hypertension is diagnosed when 2 B.P. (Blood pressure) readings of 140/90 mm Hg or greater are noted 6 hours apart within a 1-week period.

Results: This study showed a very high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women, 90% women with preeclampsia and eclampsia had Vitamin D deficiency (vit D<20ng/ml) as compared to 3.33% in the control group, which was statistically significant (p value < 0.05). Mean serum vit. D concentration was lower in women who subsequently developed preeclampsia and eclampsia (12.65±5.112) compared with controls (51.15±16.357), statistically significant (p<0.05). Mean S.calcium level was lower in pre eclampsia and eclampsia (7.65±0.732) as compared to control (8.87±1.186) which was also statistically significant (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Maternal vitamin D deficiency may be an independent risk factor for preeclampsia. Vitamin D and calcium supplementation in early pregnancy should be given for preventing pre-eclampsia /eclampsia and to promote neonatal well-being.

Keywords: Pre eclampsia , Eclampsia, Vitamin D, Pregnancy.

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Dr Chandrawati

Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, M. L. N. Medical College, Prayagraj, (UP) -211002