Nutrient Associations With Hypertension During Pregnancy

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to evaluate biomarkers over the course of pregnancy to determine any associations with risk of developing gestational hypertension. METHODS: Women were recruited in their first trimester of pregnancy. Sample size calculation was based on a confidence interval of 20 and a confidence level of 95%. The calculated sample size was 24. Thirty pregnant women were recruited to account for attrition. After signing an informed consent, participants completed a brief health history and demographic survey. At 12-, 20-, and 30-weeks gestation biomarkers of anthropometric measurements and serum were evaluated. Anthropometric measurements included height, weight, wrist and ankle circumference, and blood pressure. Serum was tested for vitamin D, magnesium, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Weight and height were measured to obtain Body Mass Index (BMI) by using a Professional Health-o-Meter and SECA stadiometer. Blood pressure was measured by an MDF Bravata Palm Aneroid Professional Sphygmomanometer. Ankle and wrist circumferences were measured by a SECA 201 Girth Measuring Tape. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, chi-square, and analysis of variance were used to analyze the data collected. RESULTS: Twenty % of the participants developed hypertension during pregnancy. Vitamin D and magnesium deficiency based on laboratory standards at 12 weeks gestation were predictive of elevated ESR at 20 weeks gestation and hypertension at 30 weeks gestation using regression equations indicating a developing inflammatory response as evidenced by elevated C-reactive protein and anthropometric measurements. Weight gain was not associated with high blood pressure at 30 weeks gestation (p = 0.405). CONCLUSIONS: The data analyzed indicates that vitamin D, magnesium, and C-reactive protein levels are strong predictive variables of increased risk of developing HDP. Through the use of biomarkers and anthropometric measurements to evaluate the changes during pregnancy earlier detection of developing complications such as hypertension may be feasible. FUNDING SOURCES: Partial funding for this project was received from the Foundation for Maternal, Infant, and Lactation Knowledge.