Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Evaluation of Hepatic Glucose Production in a Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Mouse Model
09:44

Evaluation of Hepatic Glucose Production in a Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Mouse Model

Published on: March 5, 2022

Metabolic syndrome in early pregnancy and risk of preterm birth

Leda Chatzi1, Estel Plana, Vasiliki Daraki

  • 1Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece. lchatzi@med.uoc.gr

American Journal of Epidemiology
|August 29, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Metabolic syndrome in early pregnancy significantly increases preterm birth risk, especially medically indicated births. Hypertension is the primary risk factor, with elevated diastolic blood pressure and cholesterol ratios further elevating risks.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Reproductive Health
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
  • Early pregnancy metabolic alterations may impact pregnancy outcomes.
  • Preterm birth remains a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between metabolic syndrome in early pregnancy and the risk of preterm birth.
  • To identify specific components of metabolic syndrome that contribute to preterm birth risk.
  • To explore the relationship between metabolic factors and fetal growth restriction.

Main Methods:

  • A mother-child cohort study (
  • Rhea
  • Study) in Crete, Greece (2007-2009).
  • Maternal fasting serum samples and blood pressure measurements were collected at first ultrasound (n=625).
  • Multivariable log-binomial regression models were employed to analyze associations.

Main Results:

  • Metabolic syndrome in early pregnancy was associated with a significantly higher risk of preterm birth (RR=2.93, 95% CI: 1.53, 5.58).
  • Medically indicated preterm births showed the highest risk (RR=5.13, 95% CI: 1.97, 13.38).
  • Hypertension (RR=2.32), elevated diastolic blood pressure (RR=1.29 per 10 mmHg), and increased LDL/HDL ratio (RR=1.19 per unit) were significant risk factors. Fetal growth restriction was linked to higher insulin and diastolic blood pressure.

Conclusions:

  • Metabolic syndrome diagnosed in early pregnancy is a significant risk factor for preterm birth.
  • Hypertension and lipid profile abnormalities are key contributors to this increased risk.
  • Early identification and management of metabolic syndrome components may be crucial for preventing preterm birth.

Related Concept Videos

Pathophysiology of Diabetes01:20

Pathophysiology of Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational

Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance, arises when the insulin receptors on cells lose responsiveness to insulin, diminishing the cell's capacity to take up glucose, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. To receive a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, a series of blood glucose tests are necessary to assess whether the blood glucose falls within normal parameters. If the result is out of the normal range, a patient may be diagnosed as prediabetic or diabetic, depending on the...
Type II Diabetes I: Introduction01:26

Type II Diabetes I: Introduction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance, in which target tissues such as the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue respond poorly to insulin. It is also associated with inadequate compensatory insulin secretion, where pancreatic β-cells fail to produce sufficient insulin. Together, these abnormalities lead to persistent hyperglycemia.EtiologyT2DM develops through a complex interaction of genetic predisposition and environmental or...
Meiosis vs. Mitosis02:57

Meiosis vs. Mitosis

Cell division is necessary for growth and reproduction in organisms. Mitosis aids cell growth and development by dividing somatic cells. In contrast, meiosis causes the division of germ cells and plays an essential role in sexual reproduction. Due to their unique functional requirements, mitosis and meiosis differ from each other in multiple aspects.
Before the start of mitosis and meiosis I, the cell synthesizes DNA, resulting in two homologous copies of each chromosome. DNA synthesis is...
Teratogenicity01:07

Teratogenicity

The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
Inborn Errors of Metabolism01:20

Inborn Errors of Metabolism

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a protein metabolism disorder characterized by high blood levels of the amino acid phenylalanine. This results from a mutation in the gene responsible for phenylalanine hydroxylase, an enzyme that converts phenylalanine into tyrosine. When this enzyme is deficient, phenylalanine builds up in the blood, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, rashes, seizures, growth deficiency, and severe mental retardation. An early diagnosis and a diet restricting phenylalanine intake...