Comparison of the Lipid Profile in Preeclamptic and Normotensive Pregnant Women: Prospective Observational Study

Objective: Preeclampsia is the major contributor of maternal morbidity and maternal mortality in developing countries. Many predictor tests have been identified for preeclampsia. To assess lipid profile in 2nd trimester of pregnancy and analyze it as a predictor of preeclampsia. Material and Methods: The prospective observational study was conducted at L.N. Medical College and Research Center&J.K. Hospital, Bhopal, involved 144 pregnant women aged 18-35 years in their 2nd trimester (14-20 weeks gestation) and lipid profile was measured at this gestation. Women were followed up until delivery and observed whether preeclampsia developed (study group) or not (control group). Serum lipid levels in the 2 groups were compared. The data were analyzed statistically and dyslipidemia as a predictor of preeclampsia was studied. Results: Mean low-density lipoprotein (LDL), mean cholesterol and mean triglyceride values were significantly increased in the study group compared to the control group 132±31.61 mg/dL v/s 103.10±26.63 mg/dL (p<0.0001) and 226.5±37.72 mg/dL v/s 176.14±40.93 mg/dL (p<0.0001) and 217.45±45.55 mg/dL v/s 147.69±43.55 mg/dL (p<0.0001) respectively. The mean high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was significantly low in the study group 40±8.99 mg/dL in comparison to the control group 55.11±10.01 mg/dL (p<0.0001). There was no significant difference in the mean very low density lipoprotein levels 11.17±3.09 mg/dL v/s 10.22±2.45 mg/dL (p=0.116). Conclusion: Second trimester LDL, triglycerides, and cholesterol were significantly increased and HDL was significantly lower in women who developed preeclampsia later in gestation. Therefore, we can take altered values of lipid profile in 2nd trimester as a predictor of preeclampsia.