Calcium supplementation during pregnancy for preventing hypertensive disorders is not associated with changes in platelet count, urate, and urinary protein: a randomized control trial.
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.
Hofmeyr
G J
GJ
Effective Care Research Unit, East London Hospital Complex/University of the Witwatersrand/University of Fort Hare, East London, South Africa. gjh@global.co.za
Mlokoti
Z
Z
Nikodem
V C
VC
Mangesi
L
L
Ferreira
S
S
Singata
M
M
Jafta
Z
Z
Merialdi
M
M
Hazelden
C
C
Villar
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002118:Calcium / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010976:Platelet Count; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011507:Proteinuria / Q000652:urine*; D014527:Uric Acid / Q000097:blood*
D014527:Uric Acid; D002118:Calcium