DYSLIPIDEMIA IN PREECLAMPSIA - RISK FACTOR FOR FUTURE MATERNAL CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

Preeclampsia is still one of the leading causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. It is associated with insulin resistance & increase in Free Fatty Acids and plasma Triglycerides well above that seen in normal pregnancy. The pattern of dyslipidemia seen in preeclampsia may predispose these women to future cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to compare the alteration in lipid profile and also the calculated risk ratios of women who developed Preeclampsia with normotensive pregnant women. This cross sectional study was carried out in Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital, Trichy, Tamilnadu. 100 women with preeclampsia and 100 normotensive pregnant women as controls were included in the study after obtaining their informed consent. The diagnosis of Preeclampsia was done as per the norms of American college of Obstetrics and Gynecologists. Fasting blood samples were collected. Serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL-C were estimated by standard methods using standard kits. LDL-C was calculated by Friedwald's equation. All the results were analyzed statistically using ANOVA technique. There was significant elevation of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, VLDL and risk ratios TC/HDL and TGL/HDL and decrease in HDL in Preeclamptic group compared to normotensives (p<0.0001). The dyslipidemic pattern of elevated TGL and reduced HDL which was also reflected in highly elevated TGL/HDL seen in preeclamptic patients is definitely atherogenic and may lead to future maternal cardiovascular disease. Hence simple measurement of lipid profile at 20 weeks of gestation can help in preventing the complications of PIH and future cardio vascular risk of the mother. Further studies in larger population in various ethnic groups are required to predict maternal future cardiovascular risk and its prevention by lifestyle modifications and therapy.