Serum Lipid Profile in Early Pregnancy as a Predictor of Preeclampsia

Abstract

Background: The study aimed to investigate the relationship between early pregnancy serum lipid concentrations and risk of preeclampsia. Material and Methods: Serum lipid profile was measured enzymatically by standardized assay in 270 pregnant women between 13-20 weeks of gestation. Out of these total number 58 subjects developed preeclampsia (study group) while 212 subjects remained normotensive (control group). Results: The mean serum level of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) was significantly higher in preeclamptic women as compared to normotensive pregnant women. While preeclamptic women showed significant fall in high density lipoprotein cholesterol HDL-C) level as compared to normal pregnant women. Conclusion: The measurement of serum lipid profile in early pregnancy may serve as early predictor of preeclampsia.