A study to determine the correlation between serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin levels, lipid profile, and pregnancy-induced hypertension in the early second trimester

Background: Hypertensive disorders during pregnancy are among the leading causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy are the second leading cause of maternal death after hemorrhage. Recent evidence suggests a connection between dyslipidemia, elevated β-hCG, and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). Objective: To assess serum β-hCG levels and lipid profile in pregnant women with PIH compared to normotensive pregnant women beyond 20 weeks of gestation. Materials and Methods: An observational case–control study was conducted at the Inpatient Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Goa Medical College, Bambolim, Goa, India, from December 2022 to April 2024, involving 200 patients. All participants underwent blood testing for serum β-hCG and lipid levels during their early second trimester (14–20 weeks). Results: The findings show statistically significant differences in serum β-hCG, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG),low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels, each with a P value of <0.001, among pregnant women with PIH compared to normotensive pregnant women. Serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels had a P value of 0.084. Elevated serum β-hCG and dyslipidemia in the early second trimester are linked to an increased risk of developing PIH. Conclusion: High serum β-hCG levels and dyslipidemia are important risk factors that aid in predicting PIH. In my study, however, considering the detection rate, the variation in serum β-hCG levels, and the broad range of cutoff values, the maternal lipid profile during the second trimester can be excellent non-invasive predictor of PIH onset before clinical symptoms appear.