Calcium supplementation reducing the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and related problems: A meta-analysis of multicentre randomized controlled trials.

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are closely related to maternal mortality and morbidity. Calcium supplementation during pregnancy seems to reduce the risk of hypertensive disorders. No systematic review on multicentre RCTs of calcium supplementation during pregnancy has been published. The purpose of this study was to report a quantitative systematic review of the effectiveness of calcium supplementation during pregnancy on reducing the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and related problems. Publications over the years of 1991-2012 were searched through PubMed, Science Direct, EMBASE, CINAHL and Web of Science. The literatures were selected of the multicentre RCTs on calcium supplementation during pregnancy in prevention of hypertensive disorders and related problems. Reference lists from the studies were also examined for additional references. Studies were critically appraised by three independent reviewers, and the Cochrane Handbook was used to assess the quality of those included trials. Four studies were included in this systematic review. All included studies were high quality, with low risk of bias. There was an observed risk reduction in hypertension in calcium group. However, there was no reduction in the risk of severe gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, severe pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and low birthweight. Calcium supplementation appears to reduce the risk of hypertension in pregnancy.

Frequency and risk factors for pterygium in the Barbados Eye Study

OBJECTIVE: To describe the disrtibution and risk factors for pterygium in the predominantly black population of the Barbados Eye Study, which was based on a random sample for Barbadian-born citizens between the ages of 40 and 84 years. METHODS: The standardized protocol included ophtalmic and other measurements, automated perimetry, lens gradings, fundus photography, and a detailed interview. A 10 percent systematic sample of participants and those meeting specific criteria also received a comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluation. RESULTS: The Barbados Eye Study included 4709 participants, of whom 2978 were referred for an ophthalmologic evaluation and 2781 (93 percent) completed the examination. Cases of pterygium were found among 23.4 percent of 2617 black, 23.7 percent of 97 mixed (black and white), and 10.2 percent of 59 white participants examined. In addition to African ancestry, logistic regression analyses indicated a positive association between pterygium and age (odds ratio [OR], 1.01; 95 percent confidence interval [CI], 1.00-1.02), fewer years of education (OR, 1.43; 95 percent CI, 1.01-2.03), and an outdoor job location (OR, 1.87; 95 percent CI, 1.52-2.29). Having a darker skin complexion (OR, 0.66; 95 percent CI, 0.52-0.83), always using sunglasses outdoors (OR, 0.18; 95 percent CI, 0.06-0.59), and the use of prescription glasses (OR, 0.75; 95 percent CI, 0.60-0.93) were protective factors. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one quarter of the black participants examined had pterygia, a frequency that was 2.5 to 3 times higher than among whites in the Barbados Eye Study and elsewhere. Pterygium was almost twice as frequent among persons who worked outdoors but only one fifth as likely among those who always used sun glasses outdoors. Educational interventions to modify these potential exposures may assist in preventing pterygium. (AU)