Calcium Supplementation During Pregnancy for Preventing Hypertensive Disorders Is not Associated with Changes in Platelet Count,Urate, and Urinary Protein: a Randomized Control Trial |
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| Authors: | G J Hofmeyr Z Mlokoti V C Nikodem L Mangesi S Ferreira M Singata |
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| Institution: | 1. Effective Care Research Unit, East London Hospital Complex/University of the Witwatersrand/University of Fort Hare, East London, South Africagjh@global.co.za;3. Tembisa Hospital and University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa;4. University of the Western Cape, South Africa;5. Effective Care Research Unit, East London Hospital Complex/University of the Witwatersrand/University of Fort Hare, East London, South Africa |
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| Abstract: | Objective. To test the hypothesis that calcium supplementation inhibits the underlying pathological processes in women with preeclampsia. Methods. Seven hundred and eight nulliparous women were enrolled in a WHO randomized double-blind trial, who received 1.5 g of calcium or placebo from 20 weeks of pregnancy or earlier. Platelet count, serum urate, and urinary protein/creatinine ratio were measured at or near 35 gestational weeks. Results. No difference was detected in rates of abnormal platelet count (relative risk RR] 1.18; 95% confidence interval CI], 0.63 to 2.18), serum urate level (1.0; 0.64 to 1.57) or urine protein/creatinine ratio (1.01; 0.76 to 1.34). This was consistent with the main trial finding of no difference in the incidence of ‘dipstick’ proteinuria between women receiving calcium and those receiving placebo (8312 women; RR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.88 to 1.15). Conclusions. An effect of calcium supplementation in the second half of pregnancy on the rate of abnormal laboratory measures associated with preeclampsia was not demonstrated. |
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| Keywords: | Calcium supplementation Pre-eclampsia Proteinuria |
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