Lipid profiles and the prevalence of dyslipidemia in pregnancy

Abstract

Background and Aims : Physiological changes in the lipid metabolism (elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG) and lipoprotein(a) Lp(a)) occur during pregnancy. However, dyslipiemia is associated with gestational diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia and preterm birth. High level of total cholesterol due to greater concentrations of LDL-C and reduced level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) promote atherosclerosis. Moreover, severe hypertriglyceridemia (SHTG) is a potent risk factor for development of acute pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum lipid profiles and the prevalence of dyslipidemia among middle aged pregnant females without established cardiovascular diseases. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 147 middle-aged women during pregnancy and 24-months after delivery. Fasting blood samples were assayed for total cholesterol, LDL-C, TG, HDL-C, apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1) and Apo B concentrations during the first, second, third trimesters and 24-months after delivery. The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) was calculated as log (TG/HDL-C). Free T4, T3 and TSH were measured for detecting subclinical hypothyroidism. Results: The prevalence of dyslipidemia was observed in 37%. Moreover, 29% of them had subclinical hypothyroidism. Current knowledge on the relationship between lipids and both thyroid hormones and THS is insufficient. The prevalence of dyslipidemia was significantly higher in pregnant females aged 42 years and older (TC, OR=2.5; HDL-C less than 1, OR=1.8; LDL-C greater than 3,9, OR=1.7). The TG, LDL-C, Apo A1 and Apo B levels raised significantly between 19 to 37 weeks and maintained high during next 16 months. Conclusions: Dyslipidemia is associated with advanced age of pregnant female and subclinical hypothyroidism.