From the Research
Yes, urinary calcium typically decreases in patients with pre-eclampsia. Women with pre-eclampsia often exhibit hypocalciuria, with urinary calcium excretion levels falling below normal levels, compared to normal pregnant women 1. This reduction in urinary calcium occurs due to increased tubular reabsorption of calcium in the kidneys, which is thought to be related to the underlying pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia. The decreased calcium excretion often precedes the clinical manifestations of pre-eclampsia, such as hypertension and proteinuria, making it a potential early marker for the condition.
Some key points to consider:
- Urinary calcium excretion is significantly lower in patients with pre-eclampsia compared to normal pregnant women 2, 3.
- The exact mechanism involves alterations in calcium metabolism, possibly related to abnormal placentation and subsequent endothelial dysfunction that characterizes pre-eclampsia 4.
- Some clinicians use the calcium-to-creatinine ratio in spot urine samples as a screening tool, with ratios below a certain threshold suggesting increased risk for pre-eclampsia.
- Hypocalciuria may reflect broader disturbances in calcium homeostasis that contribute to the vascular and endothelial changes seen in pre-eclampsia 1, 4.
The most recent and highest quality study 1 supports the notion that urinary calcium decreases in patients with pre-eclampsia, and this decrease is associated with significant changes in calcium and magnesium metabolism. Therefore, it is recommended to consider urinary calcium levels as a potential marker for pre-eclampsia, and to monitor calcium metabolism in patients with pre-eclampsia.