Serum lipid profile in second trimester as a predictor of gestational hypertension

Aim: To determine serum lipid profile early in second trimester of antenatal women and to study whether antenatal women with abnormal lipid profile in 2nd trimester are prone to develop gestational hypertension or preeclampsia and to determine whether dyslipidemia can be used as a marker in predicting PIH. The study is done to evaluate relationship between serum lipid concentrations and risk of preeclampsia. Materials and methods: Serum lipid profile was measured enzymatically by standardized assay in 90 pregnant women between 14 weeks and 20 weeks of gestation. Results were measured in terms of pregnancy induced hypertension. Out of these total number, 12 subjects developed PIH (study group), while 69 subjects remained normotensive (control group). Results: Out of these total number, 12 subjects developed PIH (study group), while 69 subjects remained normotensive (control group). The mean serum total cholesterol (TC) level was 233.25 mg/dL with p value <0.001, triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was significantly higher in PIH women as compared to normotensive pregnant women. PIH women showed no significant change in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) to normal pregnant women. Conclusion: Serum lipid level in early pregnancy is a very good noninvasive method to predict the of PIH before the clinical onset.