THE VITAMIN D LEVEL; A RISK FACTOR FOR DEVELOPING PRE-ECLAMPSIA

Abstract

Background: Preeclampsia is a major contributor to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, with a particularly high burden in low- and middle-income countries like Pakistan. Emerging evidence suggests that vitamin D deficiency may play a contributory role in the development of preeclampsia through its effects on immune modulation, placental function, and vascular regulation. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the association between maternal serum vitamin D levels and the risk of developing preeclampsia among pregnant women in Pakistan. Methodology: A hospital-based case-control study was conducted over 13 months at Combined Military Hospital, Multan, including 180 pregnant women—90 with preeclampsia (cases) and 90 normotensive pregnant women (controls). Participants had singleton term pregnancies and were not on vitamin D supplementation. Serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were measured, and statistical analyses including chi-square tests and binary logistic regression were performed to assess associations, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Women with preeclampsia had significantly lower mean vitamin D levels (13.27 ± 1.53 ng/mL) compared to healthy controls (21.83 ± 5.93 ng/mL, p = 0.001). Vitamin D deficiency (<10 ng/mL) was more prevalent among cases (22%) than controls (5%, p = 0.001). Logistic regression revealed that vitamin D deficiency was independently associated with increased odds of preeclampsia (adjusted OR = 4.66, 95% CI: 1.41–9.65, p = 0.01). Additionally, maternal age between 30–35 years and a BMI of 25-30.1 kg/m² were also significant risk factors. Conclusion: The study found a strong and independent association between maternal vitamin D deficiency and preeclampsia, suggesting that vitamin D status may serve as a modifiable risk factor. Routine screening and early correction of hypovitaminosis D in antenatal care may aid in reducing the burden of preeclampsia in high-risk populations.