Abstract
Objective
To analyze the effects of calcium supplementation on markers of preeclampsia over time by comparing the use of high- and low-dose calcium in hypertensive pregnant women.
Methods
This is a randomized clinical trial, placebo controlled, with three parallel groups carried out at the reference outpatient clinic for high-risk prenatal care in the South Region of Brazil, with intention-to-treat analysis and follow-up after four and eight weeks. The intervention consisted of ingesting calcium 500mg/day, calcium 1500mg/day and placebo. Data were analyzed according to a generalized mixed equation estimation model adopting α 0.05.
Results
The effect of low- and high-dose calcium on evolution over time was maintained between groups, even after adjustment for confounding factors. There was a significant difference in the parameters analyzed in the time and group interaction (p <0.000) and a decrease in the means of 12.3 mmHg in SBP, 9.2 mmHg in DBP, 3.2 mg/dl creatinine and 7.2 mg/dl proteinuria for the 500mg calcium/day group. The results were similar for the maximal supplementation group.
Conclusion
Calcium improved vascular prognosis in hypertensive pregnant women by reducing blood pressure levels and markers of preeclampsia. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials: RBR-9ngb95
Pregnant women; Hypertension, pregnancy-induced; Calcium, dietary; Pregnancy, high-risk; Pre-eclâmpsia