Parathyroid hormone in Sri Lankan pregnant women: Vitamin D and other determinants.

Abstract

Determinants of parathyroid hormone level during pregnancy have been less frequently studied. We aimed to describe the serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and its determinants in Sri Lankan pregnant women in a community setting. In this cross-sectional analysis, 390 pregnant mothers in their third trimester were enrolled from primary care centers of 15 health divisions in the Colombo District in Sri Lanka. Venous blood was analyzed for a total 25-hydroxyvitamin-D [25(OH)D], serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), serum calcium, and alkaline phosphatase. The bone quality was assessed in terms of speed of sound (SOS) using the quantitative ultrasound scan (QUS). Univariate and multivariate regression analysis was used to examine the determinants of PTH concentration in blood. Median serum 25(OH)D was 17.5ng/mL. Most (61.6%) were vitamin D deficient (<20ng/mL). Median PTH was 23.7pg/mL. Only 0.8% had hyperparathyroidism (PTH >65pg/mL). The correlation between 25(OH)D and PTH was weak but significant (r = -0.197; p<0.001). SOS Z-score was below the cut-off (≤-2) in fifty-six women (14.7%), and SOS did not relate significantly to PTH. In regression analysis, serum 25(OH)D, serum calcium, body mass index, educational level, and weeks of pregnancy were significant independent variables when adjusted. The model explained 16% of the variation in the PTH level. A high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was observed among Sri Lankan pregnant women in the present study. Serum 25(OH)D, calcium, weeks of pregnancy, and educational level were determinants of serum PTH.