Study on Relationship of Serum Triglyceride with Preeclampsia: A Case Control Study

Author(s): Dr. Sharmin Rahman, Dr. Lutfa Begum, Dr. Roksana Akter

Background:

Preeclampsia (PE), a multisystem hypertensive disorder unique to pregnancy, contributes significantly to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Growing evidence implicates dyslipidemia—particularly elevated serum triglycerides—in its pathogenesis, potentially through mechanisms involving endothelial dysfunction and atherogenesis. However, data on this association remain limited in South Asian populations.

Aim of the study:

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between serum triglyceride levels and preeclampsia in Bangladeshi pregnant women.

Methods:

This case-control study was conducted from January to July 2011 in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Departments of two tertiary care centers in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 100 pregnant women aged 18–35 years with gestational ages between 20–40 weeks were enrolled, comprising 50 cases of preeclampsia and 50 normotensive controls. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using structured questionnaires. Serum triglyceride levels were measured using enzymatic colorimetric assays. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 16.0, employing t-tests, chi-square tests, Pearson's correlation, and linear regression analysis. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Result:

The mean serum triglyceride level was significantly higher in the preeclampsia group (214.7 ± 18.6 mg/dL) compared to controls (p<0.001). A significant positive correlation was observed between serum triglycerides and systolic (r = 0.3606, p<0.01) as well as diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.3754, p<0.01) in the preeclampsia group. No significant correlation was found in the control group. Regression analysis yielded predictive equations for systolic (y = 0.4339x + 172.58) and diastolic (y = 0.7529x + 161.35) blood pressure based on triglyceride levels.

Conclusion:

Elevated maternal serum triglyceride levels are significantly associated with preeclampsia and correlate positively with both systolic and diastolic blood pressures. These findings suggest a potential role of hypertriglyceridemia in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and highlight its utility as a modifiable risk marker in antenatal screening.