Vitamin D Level in Preeclampsia and Eclampsia and Its Correlation with Fetomaternal Outcome

Abstract Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the levels of vitamin D in pregnant women with preeclampsia and eclampsia and to investigate its correlation with fetomaternal outcomes, including maternal complications and neonatal health parameters. Materials and methods: The study included 100 pregnant women beyond 28 weeks of gestation with singleton pregnancies. Women with multiple pregnancies, diabetes, or chronic health conditions were excluded. Routine investigations, including fasting lipid profiles and a 75g glucose screening test (GST), were conducted. Lipid profile thresholds included total cholesterol <200 mg%, triglycerides <150 mg%, HDL 30–70 mg%, LDL <100 mg%, and VLDL 2–30 mg%. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was diagnosed using the DIPSI criteria (venous glucose >140 mg% post-GST), while pregnancy-induced hypertension, preterm labor, and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy were diagnosed based on standard clinical and biochemical criteria. Statistical analyses were done using SSPS software. Results: In the study of 30 healthy pregnant women, 35 preeclamptic women, and 35 eclamptic women, significant differences were observed in gestational age, blood pressure, fetal birth weight, and vitamin D levels. Gestational age at delivery was lower in preeclamptic (36.2±2.5 weeks) and eclamptic women (34.1±2.3 weeks) compared to healthy pregnancies (38.2±2.1 weeks, P<0.002). Both systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly elevated in preeclamptic (160/110.2 mmHg) and eclamptic women (160.1/112.3 mmHg) compared to healthy controls (117.2/65.2 mmHg, P<0.002). Fetal birth weights were significantly reduced in preeclamptic (2,112±712.22 g) and eclamptic women (2,654±702.1 g) compared to healthy pregnancies (3,662±621.45 g, P<0.002). Vitamin D levels were also markedly lower in preeclamptic (18.2±3.76 ng/ml) and eclamptic women (19.1±4.01 ng/ml) compared to healthy pregnant women (24.2±5.01 ng/ml, P<0.002). Conclusion: The study establishes a significant association between low vitamin D levels and an increased risk of preeclampsia, eclampsia, and adverse fetomaternal outcomes. These findings suggest that vitamin D supplementation may help mitigate these risks, though further research is needed to fully understand its potential role in preventing or managing hypertensive pregnancy disorders.