Supplementary calcium in prevention of pre-eclampsia.
OBJECTIVE
To study the effect of calcium supplementation on reduction of pre-eclampsia in Iranian women at high risk of pre-eclampsia.


METHODS
Thirty pregnant women at high risk of developing pre-eclampsia were randomized to 2 g of daily calcium and placebo. Subjects and investigators were blinded to treatment allocation. The inclusion criteria were positive rollover test, having at least one risk factor for pre-eclampsia, between 28 and 32 weeks of pregnancy, and blood pressure less than 140/90 (mm Hg). Exclusion criteria were having any chronic condition. Pre-eclampsia was defined as systolic/diastolic blood pressure over 140/90 plus proteinuria. All the subjects were followed up to delivery.


RESULTS
A sevenfold reduction in the occurrence of pre-eclamsia were seen among the calcium group compared with the placebo group (7 out of 15 developed pre-eclampsia in control group vs. 1 out of 15 in calcium group, P=0.014). No major effect on pregnancy induced hypertension was seen (66% in placebo and 76% in calcium group developed hypertension) but the onset of hypertension was delayed 3 weeks in the calcium group. A longer duration of pregnancy was seen in calcium than placebo (mean+/-S.D.=37+/-2 for calcium and 34+/-2 for placebo, P<0.05). Infants born to the calcium group, on average, were 552 g heavier than infants born to the placebo group, P<0.05.


CONCLUSIONS
Calcium supplementation is beneficial for preventing pre-eclampsia among Iranian women at high risk of developing pre-eclampsia.
Niromanesh
S
S
Mirza-Kochak-khan Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Tehran, Iran.
Laghaii
S
S
Mosavi-Jarrahi
A
A
D000328:Adult; D002136:Calcium, Dietary / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000178:diet therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D016387:Women's Health
D002136:Calcium, Dietary