Maternal Lipid Profile and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome: A Cohort Study

Abstract Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between maternal lipid profile alterations and the development of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Materials and methods: This prospective cohort study included 50 pregnant women divided into two groups: 25 women with deranged lipid profiles (study group) and 25 with normal lipid profiles (control group). Inclusion criteria were singleton pregnancies beyond 28 weeks conceived naturally, while exclusions included multiple pregnancies, pre-existing diabetes, thyroid or metabolic disorders, coronary artery disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Data analysis was done using SSPS software. Results: In the study group, women who developed preeclampsia had significantly higher total cholesterol levels (335.45 ± 20.24 mg/dL) compared to those who did not develop preeclampsia (193.33 ± 35.14 mg/dL), with a p-value <0.02. Triglyceride levels were slightly lower in women with preeclampsia (253.22 ± 32.43 mg/dL) compared to those without preeclampsia (262.23 ± 4.21 mg/dL), also with a p-value <0.02. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were lower in women with preeclampsia (39.35 ± 7.22 mg/dL) than in those without preeclampsia (53.75 ± 5.70 mg/dL), but this difference was not statistically significant (p >0.03). Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels were higher in women with preeclampsia (121.76 ± 7.12 mg/dL and 58.33 ± 2.17 mg/dL, respectively) compared to those without preeclampsia (139.62 ± 20.50 mg/dL and 45.12 ± 10.43 mg/dL), but these differences were also not statistically significant (p >0.03). Conclusion: Third trimester maternal dyslipidemia is linked to several maternal and fetal complications, including gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, and preterm labor.