LIPID PROFILE AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN PLACENTAE OF WOMEN WITH PREECLAMPSIA

BackgroundTo assess and compare the lipid profiles and histopathological placental changes in women with preeclampsia and normotensive pregnancies. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted at Jinnah Medical College, Peshawar, from January 2022 to January 2023. A total of 71 pregnant women were enrolled 36 diagnosed with preeclampsia and 35 normotensive controls. Blood samples were taken for lipid profile analysis, including total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and VLDL. Placentae collected after delivery were examined histologically for infarction, fibrinoid necrosis, syncytial knotting, thrombotic lesions, and other changes. Statistical comparisons were made using SPSS, with significance set at p<0.05. Results‘Women with preeclampsia had significantly elevated levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL, along with reduced HDL (p<0.001)’. Placental histology showed higher incidences of infarction (66.7%), fibrinoid necrosis (58.3%), thrombotic lesions (52.8%), and decidual vasculopathy (47.2%) in preeclamptic women, all statistically significant (p<0.001). ConclusionPreeclampsia is associated with a distinct atherogenic lipid profile and substantial histopathological damage to the placenta. Routine lipid monitoring during antenatal care and pathological assessment of placentae in hypertensive pregnancies can aid in early detection and management strategies.