A comparative Study of Serum Lipid Levels in Pre- Eclamptic and Normotensive Pregnant Women in a Tertiary Hospital, Northwest Nigeria

Attah Raphael Avidime*, Monsur Adewale Tella, Galadanchi Hadiza and Omole Ohonsi Abiodun

Received: February 28, 2018;   Published: March 12, 2018

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2018.03.000845

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Abstract

a) Background: Pre-eclampsia is one of the most common complications of pregnancy and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality for both the mother and the fetus, especially in developing countries. Despite considerable research, its cause or causes remain unclear.

b) Objective: To determine any significant association between pre-eclampsia and lipid profile changes.

c) Methodology: A prospective comparative cross-sectional study was carried out among 70 pre-eclamptic and 70 normotensive pregnant women from Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano. The control subjects were matched to each case for maternal age, gestational age and body mass index. A structured questionnaire was administered and relevant socio-demographic information was obtained. Clinical characteristics including blood pressure were measured and urinalysis performed. Fasting serum lipids were collected and analyzed for total cholesterol, triglyceride, very low density lipo-protein (VLDL), low density lipo-protein(LDL) and high density lipo-protein(HDL)

d) Results: The study showed a significantly higher level of VLDL, LDL and triglyceride among the pre-eclamptic group compared to the normotensive (P< 0.001), while HDL was significantly decreased among the pre-eclamptic group in contrast to the normotensive (P = 0.028). There was statistically significant difference in all the lipid fractions in the 3rd trimester and a significant positive correlation of VLDL and triglyceride with pre-eclampsia (P= 0.019, P=0.020, respectively).

e) Conclusion: This study showed that pre-eclampsia is associated with increased levels of VLDL and triglyceride and decreased levels of HDL and this is more evident in the 3rd trimester. This association may be important in understanding the pathologic processes of the disease and in developing strategies for its prevention and early diagnosis.

Keywords: Pre-Eclampsia; Triglycerides; HDL; LDL; VLDL; Cholesterol

Abbreviations: VLDL: Very Low Density Lipo-Protein; LDL: Low Density Lipo-Protein; HDL: High Density Lipo-Protein; VCAM: Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecules

Abstract| Introduction| Aim and Objectives| Materials and Methods| Results| Discussion| Conclusion| Recommendations| References|