Effect of early vitamin D supplementation on the incidence of preeclampsia in primigravid women: a randomised clinical trial in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Background: Previous studies have reported the association between maternal vitamin D deficiency and preeclampsia. However, the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in reducing the occurrence of preeclampsia remains unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of cholecalciferol supplementation on the incidence of preeclampsia in primigravid women and its related maternal and foetal outcomes.

[Seasonal variations in hematocrit in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo].

The aim of the present study was to determine whether the concentration of blood cells in plasma varies seasonally in Kinshasa, DR Congo. Changes in hematocrit of 104 volunteer blood donors in good health were followed during the two seasons of the year - rainy and dry. Hematocrit was higher during the rainy season than during the dry season.

[Influence of the seasonal variation on the prevalence of pre-eclampsia in Kinshasa].

Objectives: The present study aims at determining the influence of the seasons on the occurrence of pre-eclampsia in the county city of Kinshasa (DR Congo).

Patients And Method: A multicentric descriptive study was carried out in three great maternity hospitals of this city between 2003 and 2007. The registers and files of the maternity wards and the units of intensive care were used for the gathering of medical data.