Assessment of Lipoprotein (a) and Lipid Profile Pattern in patients of Pre-Eclampsia

Introduction: Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy characterized by endothelial dysfunction. The present study was planned to assess and compare the levels of serum Lipoprotein (a) and lipid profile in preeclampsia and normal pregnant women and to determine the association of Lp (a) with severity of the disease. Materials and Method: The study comprised of 60 preeclamptic women and 30 normal pregnant women in third trimester of pregnancy. The serum levels of lipoprotein (a) [Lp (a)], triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) were determined. Results: A significant alteration in Lp (a) and lipid profile parameters was observed in preeclamptic patients. Serum Lp (a), TG and VLDL were significantly increased while HDL was significantly decreased in preeclamptic group compared to normal pregnant women. Positive correlation was found between serum Lp (a) and blood pressure in preeclampsia patients. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates a dyslipidemic profile in preeclamptic patients. These findings are significant in understanding the pathologic processes of preeclampsia and may help in developing strategies for prevention and early diagnosis of the disorder.