Prevention of preeclampsia with calcium supplementation and vitamin D₃in an antenatal protocol

OBJECTIVES: Using an angiotensin sensitivity test we carried out a prospective study in an attempt to predict the possible onset of preeclampsia and to prevent it by calcium supplementation (elemental calcium 156 or 312 mg/day per os) and treatment with vitamin D3 (0.5 micrograms/3 day per os). METHOD: We used a study design in which 666 singleton pregnant women were managed with conventional antenatal care and 210 singleton pregnant women were managed with a protocol, together with conventional antenatal care. RESULT: Of the 666 women managed conventionally, 113 (16.9%) developed preeclampsia. However, the incidence of preeclampsia in the 210 women managed on the protocol was lower, at 10.9%. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that this protocol for the prediction and prevention of preeclampsia is useful for pregnant women at high risk of developing preeclampsia.