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C-reactive protein levels, blood pressure and the risks of gestational hypertensive complications: the Generation R

Layla L de Jonge1, Eric A P Steegers, Gesina D S Ernst

  • 1The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Journal of Hypertension
|October 18, 2011
PubMed

Insights

High C-reactive protein levels in early pregnancy are linked to higher blood pressure and hypertensive disorders, but maternal BMI largely explains these associations. This finding is crucial for understanding pregnancy complications.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Inflammation Research

Background:

  • Low-grade inflammation, indicated by C-reactive protein (CRP), is implicated in various health conditions.
  • Understanding the role of inflammation in pregnancy complications like gestational hypertension is critical for maternal health.
  • Maternal Body Mass Index (BMI) is a known risk factor for hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and blood pressure (BP) development during pregnancy.
  • To examine the relationship between CRP levels and the risk of gestational hypertensive complications.
  • To explore the moderating role of maternal Body Mass Index (BMI) in these associations.

Main Methods:

  • A population-based prospective cohort study in the Netherlands included 5816 mothers.
  • High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were measured in early pregnancy.
  • Blood pressure and gestational hypertensive complications were monitored throughout pregnancy, with data retrieved from hospital charts.

Main Results:

  • Elevated first-trimester CRP levels (≥20.0 mg/l) were associated with higher systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure throughout pregnancy.
  • High CRP levels in early pregnancy increased the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.66-4.66).
  • The observed associations between CRP, blood pressure, and hypertensive complications were significantly attenuated after adjusting for maternal BMI.

Conclusions:

  • First-trimester C-reactive protein levels are associated with blood pressure and gestational hypertensive complications.
  • Maternal Body Mass Index (BMI) plays a significant role in explaining these associations.
  • These findings highlight the complex interplay between inflammation, BMI, and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy.
Abstract

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