Estimation of Lipid Profile in Subjects of Preeclampsia

Objectives

To evaluate lipid profiles in subjects with preeclampsia. To determine if there is any change in lipid profiles in subject of preeclampsia as compared to normal antenatal females, non-pregnant females and post partum females.

Methods

Study was carried out on pregnant women and non pregnant women attending or admitted in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of SSG Hospital, Baroda between 1st June 2007 to 31st May 2008. Each serum sample from different groups was evaluated for Total cholesterol(mg/dl), Triglyceride (mg/dl), HDL-cholesterol (mg/dl), LDL-cholesterol (mg/dl) and VLDL-cholesterol (mg/dl) using diagnostic kits and a comparison drawn and analyzed using t-test and chi-square test.

Results

Dyslipidemia in the form of significantly decreased HDL concentration and significantly increased total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL &; Triglycerides concentration is conspicuously evident in subjects of preeclampsia as compared to non pregnant, normotensive pregnant and postpartum subjects.

Conclusion

Dyslipidemia is significantly evident in preeclampsia and plays an important pathological role. The various causative factors for dyslipidemia and its prevention need to be further studied and evaluated.     

Trace elements and oxidative stress in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

Purpose

Due to increased metabolic requests, pregnancy can be considered as metabolic stress, especially if associated with oxidative stress triggered by disbalance of pro/antioxidants. The aim of the study was to determine serum concentrations of the trace elements iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) important in growth regulation and pro/anti-oxidant homeostasis, in relation to the total serum oxidant capacity (TOC) and total serum antioxidant capacity (TAC) in pregnant women with preeclampsia (n = 30) or with gestational hypertension (n = 30) and in healthy pregnant women (n = 37) and non-pregnant women (n = 30) as control groups expecting common differences between all pregnant women and controls and between preeclampsia and the other pregnancies indicating specific disbalance of the oxidative stress and analyzed trace elements.

Methods

Serum Fe was determined by spectrophotometric method, Cu and Zn were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry, TOC was determined by Enzymatic ANTIOX-CAP assay and TAC by Peroxide-activity assay.

Results

Serum Cu and TOC were significantly higher while Zn was lower in all pregnant groups regardless of hypertensive disorders. Serum Fe and TAC concentrations were found to be significantly higher in pregnant women with preeclampsia compared to pregnant controls.

Conclusion

Increase of TOC in all pregnant women our study points to latent oxidative stress in pregnancy. Fe might have a role in etiopathogenesis of preeclampsia while the increase of TAC in the very beginning of preeclampsia might represent a stressdefence mechanism of the body. It has still to be revealed whether significantly higher serum Fe levels are associated with preeclampsia as a cause or as a consequence of this disorder.     

Placental Growth Factor: As an Early Second Trimester Predictive Marker for Preeclampsia in Normal and High-Risk Pregnancies in a Turkish Population

Objective

Placental growth factor (PlGF) is an angiogenetic factor and inducts the development of preeclampsia in a hypoxic environment. In this study, we examined maternal blood PlGF levels in a pregnant population between 16 and 19 weeks of gestation for determining the prospective value for early diagnosis of preeclampsia as a screening test.

Materials and Methods

In this prospective cross-sectional study, 114 nulliparous normotensive pregnant women were selected for the control group and 34 patients who have chronic hypertension or had a medical history of hypertensive disorders in previous pregnancies were selected for the study group.

Results

In the study group, the risk of preeclampsia increased 3.2 times when compared with the control with a confidence interval of 95 %. The cut-off value for PlGF for discriminating preeclamptic and non-preeclamptic patients was found to be 62.5 pg/ml.

Conclusion

Patients with a medical history of hypertensive disorders and low PIGF levels in early second trimester have an increased risk for preeclampsia.     

2-Methoxyoestradiol levels and placental catechol-O-methyltransferase expression in patients with late-onset preeclampsia

Purpose

Deficiencies in placental catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and circulating 2-methoxyoestradiol (2-ME) have been shown to be related to early onset preeclampsia. The aim of this study was to investigate levels of 2-ME in the serum and urine of patients with late-onset preeclampsia and to compare those levels to those of normal pregnant women. In addition, we examined placental COMT expression in both groups.

Methods

Fifteen patients with preeclampsia and 15 normal pregnant women were enrolled. 2-ME levels were evaluated by ELISA and placental COMT expression was examined by Western blot analysis.

Results

2-ME levels in serum [median 181.1 pg/mL, interquartile range (IQR) 119.6–244.3 vs. 61.2 pg/mL, IQR 12.0–133.7, respectively, p = 0.004] and urine (median 143.3 pg/mL, IQR 35.0–328.2 vs. 0.5 pg/mL, IQR 0.4–4.6, respectively, p < 0.001) were significantly increased in patients with late-onset preeclampsia compared to those in normal pregnant women at term. There was no significant difference in placental COMT expression between the two groups.

Conclusion

Increased levels of 2-ME in patients with late-onset preeclampsia might be a product of a compensatory mechanism in patients with late-onset preeclampsia.     

Does mode of delivery affect neonate oxidative stress in parturition? Review of literature

Purpose

The production of reactive oxygen substances plays an important regulatory role in many physiologic reproductive processes. Excessive production may lead to oxidative stress (OS), and bring about pregnancy disorders. Growing evidence indicates that OS plays a major role in the pathophysiology of complications such as early pregnancy loss, placental insufficiency, preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and neonatal complications. Whether parturition induces oxidative stress is in dispute. In this review, we elaborate the influence of mode of delivery (vaginal delivery or cesarean delivery) on oxidative stress of neonates.

Methods

A review of old and recent literature was done. The studies were divided according to the impact of mode of delivery on oxidative stress in the newborn.

Results

There is a divergence in the oxidative stress production according to the mode of delivery.

Conclusions

In view of neonatal oxidative stress measures, no major difference was found between uncomplicated vaginal delivery and elective cesarean section.     

Comparison of maternal and umbilical cord blood soluble lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 levels in early- and late-onset preeclampsia

Background

The main purpose of this study was to determine the maternal and umbilical cord blood oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and soluble lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (sLOX-1) levels in early- and late-onset preeclampsia (PE).

Materials and methods

A case–control study was conducted in pregnant women with early-onset (before 34 weeks’ gestation n = 19) and late-onset (after 34 weeks’ gestation n = 22) PE compared to healthy normotensive pregnant controls (n = 44). Groups were compared for the maternal and umbilical cord plasma oxLDL and serum sLOX-1 levels.

Results

The mean maternal and umbilical cord serum sLOX-1 and plasma oxLDL levels were significantly increased in early- and late-onset PE compared to controls (p < 0.001). When early- and late-onset PE women were compared with serum sLOX-1 levels, the increase was more pronounced in early PE (p < 0.001). However, same comparison is not statistically significant in cord blood for oxLDL where as it is significantly higher in maternal blood for oxLDL in early-onset PE group. Maternal and cord blood oxLDL and sLOX-1 levels are positively correlated with each other; however, they are negatively correlated with fetal weight and gestational age.

Conclusions

According to our results, maternal and umbilical cord blood levels of oxLDL and sLOX-1 were higher in preeclamptic pregnant. Thus, for the first time it has been shown that oxLDL and sLOX-1 levels were higher in fetal circulation as well as plasma of preeclamptic pregnant. However, sLOX-1 levels seem to be more implying than oxLDL for the differentiation of early and late preeclampsia.     

Role of lipid peroxidation and enzymatic antioxidants in pregnancy-induced hypertension

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Preeclampsia remains a major cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. It is a leading indication for iatrogenic premature delivery. Oxidative stress is considered to be one of the factors in the disease process. The present study is centered on the concept that elevated levels of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) due to a decline in the efficacy of antioxidant defenses may predispose an individual to preeclampsia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the present study we measured lipid peroxidation products (MDA) and the counteracting enzymatic antioxidants. The study comprises 25 healthy non-pregnant women as controls, 25 third trimester normal pregnant women and 25 preeclamptic patients of the same trimester. Estimation of lipid peroxidation by thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) and enzymatic antioxidants were carried out by standard methods. RESULTS: In the preeclamptic group malondialdehyde, a product of lipid peroxidation, was significantly increased while enzymatic antioxidants like superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase were reduced significantly as compared to normal pregnant and non-pregnant controls. CONCLUSION: Increased levels of lipid peroxides and reduced antioxidant activities clearly demonstrate the presence of oxidative stress in preeclampsia.     

Lactic Dehydrogenase: A Biochemical Marker for Preeclampsia–Eclampsia

Objectives

To correlate the severity of the disease, maternal and perinatal outcome with Lactic Dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in serum in patients of preeclampsia and eclampsia.

Methods

A prospective comparative study was conducted in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the collaboration with department of Pathology, CSM Medical University, Lucknow. Out of 146 women studied, 39 were normal pregnant women, 35 were of mild preeclampsia, 36 of severe preeclampsia and 36 of eclampsia. The statistical analysis was done by Chi-square test (for proportional data) analysis of variance and sample “t” test (for parametric data).

Results

LDH levels were significantly elevated in women with preeclampsia and eclampsia (<0.001). Higher LDH levels had significant correlation with high blood pressure (P < 0.10) as well as poor maternal and perinatal outcome.

Conclusion

High serum LDH levels correlate well with the severity of the disease and poor outcomes in patients of preeclampsia and eclampsia.     

Maternal serum leptin as a marker of preeclampsia

Purpose

To assess maternal leptin levels as a marker for preeclampsia (PE) and to explore the possibility of leptin being a marker of severity of preeclampsia.

Participants and methods

Comparative prospective study was conducted among a total of 72 pregnant women at 28–38 weeks of gestation. They were divided into two groups (control and study) according to the absence or presence of clinical parameters of preeclampsia. Leptin was measured for both groups at the time of presentation, once weekly and at the termination of pregnancy.

Results

Leptin levels were found to be significantly higher among all preeclampsia patients when compared to the control group; whether at admission or at the time of delivery. Mean serum leptin level at admission in control group was 9.8?ng/ml versus 10.9 ng/ml in mild cases and 17.6 ng/ml in severe cases. At the time of delivery, mean serum leptin in control group decreased to 4.7 ng/ml while in preeclampsia patients it increased up to 22 ng/ml in mild cases and 42.6 ng/ml in severe cases. ROC curve analysis has shown that a cut off value >13.7 ng/ml can be used to detect presence of preeclampsia with a sensitivity of 91 % and specificity 100 % while a cut off value >22.5 ng/ml can be used to detect severity of preeclampsia with a sensitivity of 85 % and specificity 100 %.

Conclusion

Maternal serum leptin is significantly elevated in preeclampsia, also it can be used as a marker for the presence of preeclampsia and to differentiate patients with mild preeclampsia from those with severe disease.     

Influence of oxidative stress on functional integrity of human spermatozoal membrane

Objective

To study the relationship between lipid peroxidation of spermatozoa and changes in functional intergrity of human spermatozoa membrane in male subjects.

Materials and Methods

Sixty eight male partners of infertile couples were included in the study. Status of oxidative stress was assessed by determining malondialdehyde (MDA) in seminal plasma. Functinal intergrity of sperm membrance was tested subjecting the sperm to hypo-osmotic test (HOS). The seminal plasma MDA levels were compared with seminogram parameters as well as with the results of HOS test using Pearson’s coefficient of correlation (r) and significance of coefficient of correlation calculated from the table.

Result

A significant but weak negative correlation was observed between seminal plasma MDA level and sperm concentration (r=−0.33,p<0.05), sperm motility (r=−0.37,p<0.05), sperm morphology (r=−0.37,p<0.05), and percentage of HOS positive spermatozoa (r=−0.33,p<0.05). Percentages of HOS positive spermatozoa also exhibited a significant but weak negative relationship with sperm concentration (r=−0.47,p<0.01), sperm motility (r=−0.48,p<0.01), sperm morphology (r=−0.49,p<0.01).

Conclusion

Lipid peroxidation of spermatozoa is likely to affect the functional intergrity of the spermatozoa membrane.Key words: oxidative stress, spermatozoa, membrane integrity     

Placental Laterality as a Predictor for Development of Preeclampsia

Objective

To find whether placental laterality as determined by ultrasound can be used as predictor for the development of preeclampsia.

Methods

This prospective study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Govt. Medical College, Jammu from 2006 to 2007. 150 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic both OPD and IPD at 18–24 weeks of gestation without any high risk factor were subjected to ultrasound examination, and placental location was determined. These cases were followed for the development of signs and symptoms of preeclampsia.

Result

Out of the total 150 women, 84 (56 %) had laterally located placenta and of them, 56 (66.6 %) developed preeclampsia, while the remaining 66 (44 %) had centrally located placenta and of them, 24 (36.3 %) developed preeclampsia. So, the overall risk of developing preeclampsia with laterally located placenta was 5.09 (odds ratio) and 95 % confidence interval (2.40–10.88). The difference was found to be statistically significant, p value (0.00002) by χ² test.

Conclusion

From the above study, we concluded that females with laterally located placenta determined by USG at 18–24 weeks of gestation have five times greater risk of developing preeclampsia.     

Chitotriosidase, interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels in mild preeclampsia

Objective

Chitotriosidase (ChT) is an activated macrophage marker. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) are mainly produced macrophages. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between serum ChT activity, levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in patients with mild preeclampsia and normal pregnancy.

Methods

An overall 64 cases, 32 healthy pregnant control women (control group) and 32 women with mild preeclamptic patients (study group), were enrolled in this study. At the beginning of the study, all study participants were matched for age and gestational age. Serum ChT activity was measured by fluorometer; TNF-α and IL-1β levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The mean age, gestational week, parity and gravida were similar in the two groups (p?>?0.05). Serum ChT activity was significantly higher in the preeclampsia group compared to the control group (p?p?>?0.05). In the PE group, serum ChT activity was not correlated with TNF-α and IL-1β.

Conclusion

Mild preeclampsia is found associated with higher ChT activity. This result suggests that activated macrophages play a role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. This suggestion needs to be confirmed in future studies with larger populations.     

Association between polymorphisms in DNA repair genes (XRCC1 and XRCC7) and risk of preeclampsia

Purpose

Although the exact genes involved in preeclampsia (PE) are still not fully discovered, an important role for oxidative stress in its pathogenesis is accepted. XRCC1 (MIM: 194360) and XRCC7 (MIM: 600899) play a crucial role in the DNA repair pathways. Functional polymorphisms in XRCC1 (Arg194Trp and Arg399Gln) and XRCC7 (G6721T) may be risk factors for PE. In the present study, the association between the genetic polymorphisms of XRCC1 and XRCC7 and risk of PE is investigated.

Methods

The present case–control study was performed on 151 preeclapmtic patients, and a total of 344 normal pregnant women, as a control group. Control women had no history of pregnancies with PE.

Results

Neither polymorphism of Arg194Trp XRCC1 nor polymorphism of G6721T XRCC7 associated with the risk of PE. The Gln/Gln genotype of Arg399Gln XRCC1 polymorphism increased the risk of PE (OR?=?2.39, 95?% CI: 1.38–4.14, P?=?0.002). Statistical analysis revealed that the haplotype “194Arg-399Gln” showed higher frequency among PE patients compared to the controls (OR?=?1.65, 95?% CI: 1.23–2.19, P?=?0.001).

Conclusions

The present results suggest that the 399Gln allele of the XRCC1 is significant risk factor for PE development.     

Calcium-creatinine ratio and microalbuminuria in prediction of preeclampsia

Objectives

To evaluate the predictive values of urinary calcium creatinine ratio (CCR) and microalbuminuria for preeclampsia.

Methods

Urinary calcium creatinine ratio and microalbuminuria were determined in a spot urine sample in 200 asymptomatic pregnant women between 20–24 weeks of gestation, who attended the antenatal OPD at St John’s Medical College and Hospital. The results were analyzed by Chi square test and Fisher Exact test to find the significant association of findings of preeclampsia and CCR and microalbuminuria. Area under Receiver Operator Curve (ROC) was used to find the predictive values of CCR at less than or equal to 0.04 and microalbuminuria for preeclampsia.

Results

It was found that CCR had a sensitivity, specificity, Positive Predictive Value (PPV) and Negative Predictive Value (NPV) of 69.2%, 98.2%, 85.7% and 95.8% respectively with a statistical accuracy of 87% and p value of <0.001 (strongly significant). It was found to be a good test for prediction of preeclampsia. Microalbuminuria had sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 53.6%, 86%, 36% and 95% and was found to be only a fair test for prediction of preeclampsia.

Conclusion

CCR at 0.04 in spot urine sample being a good test for prediction of preeclampsia can be recommended as a screening test in all asymptomatic pregnant women, for preeclampsia. Microalbuminuria does not seem to be effective as a screening tool for preeclampsia at present.     

Plasma lipids and lipoproteins during pregnancy and related pregnancy outcomes

Purpose

To study the effect of maternal lipid profile changes in pregnancy in relation to fetal growth and development, prognosis, and complications of pregnancy.

Methods

One thousand pregnant women between 17 and 48 years of age were included in this prospective longitudinal and uni-center study. Lipid profile tests [triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL)] were first requested as part of the routine pregnancy follow-up in first antenatal visit (<14 weeks) then repeated in the last trimester (>28 weeks). The analysis included the medical, social-demographic, and nutritional status of the women as well. Primer outcome measures were defined as the association of the pregnancy-related lipid profile change to neonatal weight, the weight of the infant in third month and pregnancy complications (preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, IUGR, and preterm birth).

Results

The levels of TG, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL increased significantly as pregnancy progressed. The percentage of the change in the TG levels were higher in patients with well nutritional parameters (p = 0.033). As the percentage of change in the TG levels increased, the neonatal weight increased (p = 0.033) but no effect on the placental weight and the third month weight of the infant was seen. As the percent change in TG levels decreased, the risk of the preterm birth significantly increased. In women who were positive in 50 g screening test, but were uncomplicated with gestational diabetes mellitus, the percent change in cholesterol was lower (p = 0.010), the percent change in LDL was lower (p = 0.015), and the percent change in TG was higher (p = 0.032).

Conclusion

In pregnancy, complex alterations occur in lipid metabolism. Percent change in TG is affected positively by the nutrition level. The neonatal weight also increases as well but postnatal weight is unaffected. Conversely TG levels significantly decrease in preterm birth. No association between preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus with lipid profile changes were noted except in patients with glucose intolerance (>140 mg/dl in 50 g screening test) in which change in cholesterol, LDL was low and TG was high.     

Circadian Pattern of Blood Pressure in Normal Pregnancy and Preeclampsia

Aims &; Objective

To find out the circadian pattern of blood pressure in normotensive pregnant women and in women with preeclampsia.

Method

A cross-sectional prospective observational case control study. Blood pressure was sampled in thirty-five normotensive pregnant women (control) and thirty five preeclamptic women (study group) by using non-invasive automatic ambulatory blood pressure monitoring machine for 72 h.

Results

Blood pressure (BP) was not constant over 24 h period and it oscillated from time to time in control group. BP was maximum during early part of afternoon. However, in preeclampsia besides quantitative increase in BP, circadian BP oscillations were less pronounced and in around 50% subjects BP was maximum during evening and night hours.

Conclusion

Both systolic and diastolic BP showed definite reproducible circadian pattern in both preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women. This pattern both quantitatively and qualitatively was different in preeclamptic women. Standardized 24 h BP monitoring allows quantitative and qualitative evaluation of hypertensive status and is important for timing and dosing of antihypertensive medications.     

Erythrocyte folate content and serum folic acid and homocysteine levels in preeclamptic primigravidae teenagers living at high altitude

Objective

To measure erythrocyte folate content and serum folic acid and homocysteine (Hcy) levels in preeclamptic primigravidae teenagers living at high altitude.

Methods

Measured analytes were compared to those found in normal teen controls.

Results

Teenagers complicated with preeclampsia displayed significantly lower hematocrit and erythrocyte folic acid levels with higher serum Hcy levels as compared to controls (36.40 ± 4.90 vs. 38.99 ± 2.89 %, 493.80 ± 237.30 vs. 589.90 ± 210.60 ng/mL, and 7.29 ± 2.52 vs. 5.97 ± 1.41 μmol/L, respectively, p < 0.05). There was a non-significant trend for lower serum folic acid levels among preeclampsia teenagers. Serum and erythrocyte folic acid levels positively correlated in preeclampsia teenagers, and levels of both analytes inversely correlated with Hcy levels.

Conclusion

This pilot study found that teenagers complicated with preeclampsia living at higher altitude displayed lower erythrocyte folate content in addition to higher serum Hcy levels. More research is warranted to determine the clinical implications of these findings.     

Estimating risk factors for development of preeclampsia in teen mothers

Purpose

Our objective was to identify potentially modifiable risk factors for preeclampsia in a contemporary American teen population.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of all teenage deliveries (≤18?years old) at one institution over a 4-year-period. All cases of preeclampsia were identified using the National Working Group for Hypertension in Pregnancy diagnostic criteria and compared to normotensive teenage mothers.

Results

Of the 730 included teen deliveries, 65 (8.9?%) women developed preeclampsia and demonstrated a higher prepregnancy body mass index when compared with controls (32.9?±?8.4 vs. 30.3?±?6.1?kg/m², p?=?0.002). Maternal obesity (body mass index ≥30?kg/m², RR 1.6, 95?% CI 1.0–2.8) and gestational weight gain above the Institute of Medicine recommended levels (RR 2.6, 95?% CI 1.5–4.4) were associated with higher risk for development of preeclampsia. When evaluating by severity or onset of disease, excessive weight gain in pregnancy was the strongest risk factor for mild (n?=?58) or late onset (n?=?54) preeclampsia (RR 2.5, 95?% CI 1.4–3.4).

Conclusions

Maternal obesity and excessive gestational weight gain place the gravid teen at increased risk for preeclampsia. The modifiable nature of these risk factors permits the possibility of intervention and prevention.     

Polymorphisms of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) gene in preeclampsia: a candidate-gene association study

Background

Pregnancy is accompanied by several hemodynamic, biochemical and hematological changes which revert to normal values after labor. The mean values of these parameters have been reported for developed countries, but not for Mexican women. Furthermore, labor constitutes a stress situation, in which these factors may be altered. It is known that serologic increase of heat shock protein (Hsp) 70 is associated with abnormal pregnancies, presenting very low level in normal pregnant women. Nevertheless, there are no studies where these measurements are compared in healthy pregnant women at their third trimester of pregnancy (3TP) and the active labor phase (ActLP).

Methods

Seventy five healthy Mexican pregnant women were included. Hemodynamic, biochemical and hematological parameters were obtained in all cases, and serum Hsp70 levels were measured in a sample of 15 women at 3TP and at ActLP.

Results

Significant differences were found in most analysis performed and in Hsp70 concentration at 3TP as compared to ActLP, however all were within normal range in both conditions, supporting that only in pathological pregnancies Hsp70 is drastically increased.

Conclusion

Results obtained indicate that 3TP and ActLP have clinical similarities in normal pregnancies, therefore if abnormalities are found during 3TP, precautions should be taken before ActLP.     

Vitamin D Status in Mothers and Their Newborns and Its Association with Pregnancy Outcomes: Experience from a Tertiary Care Center in Northern India

Objective

Study was planned to know vitamin D status in mothers and their newborns and effect of vitamin D deficiency on pregnancy outcome. Study design: Two hundred consecutive pregnant women with singleton pregnancy admitted to the labor ward of a tertiary care center were recruited for the study. Maternal and cord blood samples were taken and analyzed for 25(OH) D level. Maternal and fetal outcomes were studied.

Results

High prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was found among pregnant women. Eighty-six percentage had vitamin D deficiency, 9.5% had insufficiency, and only 4.5% had sufficient vitamin D level. Women with preeclampsia had statistically significant vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency as compared to patients who had normal blood pressure levels (p = 0.04). Cesarean section rate was significantly higher in patients with vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency compared to sufficient group (p = 0.004). Cord blood 25(OH) D levels strongly correlated with maternal serum 25 (OH) D levels (p = 0.001, correlation coefficient r = 0.84).

Conclusions

This study showed a very high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D among pregnant women and excellent correlation between maternal and fetal 25(OH) D levels. Hypovitaminosis D was associated with preeclampsia, increased Cesarean rate, and low birth weight babies.