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Calcium supplementation to prevent pre-eclampsia: protocol for an individual participant data meta-analysis, network meta-analysis and health economic evaluation.

Rocha T, Allotey J, Palacios A, Vogel JP, Smits L, Carroli G, Mistry H, Young T, Qureshi ZP, Cormick G, Snell KIE, Abalos E, Pena-Rosas JP, Khan KS, Larbi KK, Thorson A, Singata-Madliki M, Hofmeyr GJ, Bohren M, Riley R, Betran AP, Thangaratinam S, International Calcium in Pregnancy (i-CIP) Collaborative Network

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  • Journal BMJ Open

  • Published 11 May 2023

  • Volume 13

  • ISSUE 5

  • Pagination e065538

  • DOI 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065538

Abstract

Low dietary calcium intake is a risk factor for pre-eclampsia, a major contributor to maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity worldwide. Calcium supplementation can prevent pre-eclampsia in women with low dietary calcium. However, the optimal dose and timing of calcium supplementation are not known. We plan to undertake an individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis of randomised trials to determine the effects of various calcium supplementation regimens in preventing pre-eclampsia and its complications and rank these by effectiveness. We also aim to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of calcium supplementation to prevent pre-eclampsia.

and 95% prediction intervals for effect in a new study. Sensitivity analysis to explore robustness of statistical and clinical assumptions will be carried out. Minor study effects (potential publication bias) will be investigated using funnel plots. A decision analytical model for use in low-income and middle-income countries will assess the cost-effectiveness of calcium supplementation to prevent pre-eclampsia.

No ethical approvals are required. We will store the data in a secure repository in an anonymised format. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

CRD42021231276.