COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SERUM CALCIUM LEVEL IN NORMOTENSIVE SINGLETON VERSUS PRE-ECLAMPTIC PREGNANCIES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55519/JAMC-02-14594Keywords:
Preeclampsia, Blood Calcium, Low Calcium, Pregnancy, Women’s Health, High Blood Pressure in PregnancyAbstract
Background: Preeclampsia is a multifactorial pregnancy-related disorder that poses significant risks to both maternal and fetal health, particularly in resource-limited settings. The relationship between serum calcium levels and the development of preeclampsia remains inadequately understood. This study investigates the association between blood calcium concentrations and the pathogenesis of preeclampsia among pregnant women in Pakistan. Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pakistan Air Force Hospital Kamra and Pakistan Air Force Hospital Islamabad, between December 2023 and May 2024. A total of 107 women diagnosed with preeclampsia and 105 normotensive pregnant women, matched for age and parity, were enrolled. Data collection included structured questionnaires, clinical examinations, and biochemical assessment of serum calcium using a spectrophotometric method . Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 23, with a significance threshold set at p<0.05. Results: Women with preeclampsia demonstrated significantly lower mean serum calcium levels (1.83±0.51 mmol/L) compared with the control group (2.28±0.18 mmol/L, p<0.01). Additionally, the preeclampsia group exhibited higher body mass index, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure. Hypocalcemia was observed in 41.12% of women with preeclampsia, compared to 6.67% in the control group (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Reduced serum calcium levels may serve as a potential biomarker for preeclampsia. Routine monitoring of calcium status could aid in predicting the onset and severity of the condition. Early identification and management of hypocalcemia may contribute to improved outcomes for pregnant women at risk of hypertension-related complications.
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