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Abstract

Background: Pregnancy-induced hypertension poses significant risks to maternal and fetal health. Calcium plays a critical role in vascular smooth muscle regulation, and its deficiency has been implicated in the pathophysiology of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. However, data on the frequency of hypocalcemia in PIH and its demographic associations remain inconsistent across populations. Objective: To determine the frequency of low serum calcium level in patients with pregnancy induced hypertension at Mardan medical complex Mardan. Study Design: Observational cross-sectional study. Duration and Place of Study: The study was conducted from June 2024 to December 2024 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mardan Medical Complex, Mardan. Methodology: A total of 148 pregnant women aged 18–40 years with gestational hypertension beyond 20 weeks of gestation were enrolled. Serum calcium levels were measured using the O-Cresolphthalein Complexone method, with levels <8.0 mg/dl classified as low. Demographic and clinical data were collected using a structured proforma. Results: The mean age of participants was 29.51 ± 6.54 years and the average serum calcium level was 7.94 ± 0.83 mg/dl. Low serum calcium was observed in 52.7% of participants. Stratified analysis showed no statistically significant association between hypocalcemia and age, gestational age, parity, residential status, socioeconomic status, or family history of PIH (p > 0.05 for all). Conclusion: Low serum calcium levels are frequently observed in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension.