Serum Lipid Profiles in Preeclamptic versus Normotensive Pregnancies: A Case-Control Study

Author(s): Tobechi K Njoku, Onyema A Onyegbule, Emmanuel M Ibeneme, George U Eleje, Ginikanwa H Njoku, Gerald O Udigwe, Innocent I Mbachu, Joseph O Ugboaja, Chukwudi A Ogabido, Chinedu B Iheukwumere, Chidinma C Okafor, Lawrence C Olisa, Chukwuemeka C Okoro, Ugochukwu H Osuafor, Obinna K Nnabuchi, Harrison C Ugwuoroko, Emmanuel C Egwuatu, Chigozie G Okafor*

Objectives: To estimate the serum lipid levels in women with preeclampsia and normotensive pregnancy and also determine the correlation between the mean serum lipid levels and the severity of the disease.

Methods: This was a case-control study that involved 116 (58 preeclamptic and 58 normotensive control group) consenting pregnant women at the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Nigeria. Five milliliter (5 ml) of their venous blood was collected after an overnight fast of 8–12 hours, and analysed for triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) using standard enzymatic methods. The primary outcome measure was the mean serum lipid levels in women with preeclampsia and normotensive pregnancies. Pearson’s correlation analysis was employed.

Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the levels of triglyceride (TG) and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) between the preeclamptics and their normotensive control respectively (p = 0.002). There was strong positive correlation between the abnormal levels of very low density lipoprotein (LDL) and severe preeclampsia. In addition, there was also a weak positive correlation between the severity of the disease and the levels of triglyceride (TG).

Conclusion: Dyslipidemia, especially elevated LDL and TG levels, is linked to preeclampsia and may influence its progression. Monitoring serum lipid levels in pregnant women may be crucial for managing and detecting preeclampsia early. Further research on lipid-lowering surveillance is recommended.