Role of Vitamin D in Prevention of Preeclampsia Recurrence in Pregnant Women with Previous History of Preeclampsia: A Randomized Controlled Trial: Vitamin D in Prevention of Preeclampsia Recurrence in Pregnant Women

Tehseen Aslam; Saima Abdul Jabbar; Mehnaz Khakwani; Fatima Arshad; Amna Razzaq

doi:10.54393/pjhs.v7i7.3953

Authors

Tehseen Aslam Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nishtar Hospital, Multan, Pakistan
Saima Abdul Jabbar Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nishtar Hospital, Multan, Pakistan
Mehnaz Khakwani Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nishtar Hospital, Multan, Pakistan
Fatima Arshad Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nishtar Hospital, Multan, Pakistan
Amna Razzaq Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nishtar Hospital, Multan, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pjhs.v7i7.3953

Keywords:

High-Risk Pregnancy, Pre-Eclampsia, Pregnancy, Recurrence, Vitamin D

Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency may contribute to abnormal placentation and endothelial dysfunction leading to preeclampsia (PE). Objectives: To compare the recurrence of preeclampsia in pregnant females having a previous history of PE receiving vitamin D supplementation versus placebo. Methods: This double-blind randomized controlled trial was done at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nishtar Hospital, Multan, over six months from August 2025 to February 2026. A total of 146 pregnant ladies, 20-45 years old, with singleton pregnancy, gestational age ≥20 weeks, and previous preeclampsia were enrolled. Women with chronic hypertension, cardiac diseases, renal disease, and thyrotoxicosis were excluded. Participants were randomized to receive either oral vitamin D 4000 IU daily or a placebo. Follow-up continued until 36 weeks. Preeclampsia recurrence was defined as hypertension ≥140/90 mmHg with proteinuria ≥+1 on spot urine test. Data were analyzed through SPSS version 27.0, descriptive statistics were run, group comparisons were done through chi-square and independent sample t-test as required, and a p-value<0.050 was considered significant. Results: Mean age was 27.9 ± 4.6 years, and mean gestational age was 30.5 ± 2.8 weeks. Age and gestational age differed between the groups. Overall recurrence of preeclampsia was 21.9%. Recurrence was markedly less in the vitamin D compared to placebo (13.7% vs. 30.1%, relative risks 0.46, p=0.016) groups. Significant reductions were observed among women aged <30 years, gestational age 24-30 weeks, and non-obese participants. Conclusions: Vitamin D therapy decreased recurrence of preeclampsia in high-risk pregnant females, supporting its potential role as an effective preventive strategy in antenatal care.

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