Risk factors for preeclampsia in women from Colombia: a case-control study

Preeclampsia (PE) is a multi-causal disease characterized by the development of hypertension and proteinuria in the second half of pregnancy. Multiple risk factors have been associated with the development of PE. Moreover, it is known that these risk factors vary between populations from developed and developing countries. The aim of this study is to identify which risk factors are associated with the development of preeclampsia (PE) among Colombian women.

A multi-centre case-control study was conducted between September 2006 and July 2009 in six Colombian cities. Cases included women with PE (n = 201); controls were aged-matched pregnant women (n = 201) without cardiovascular or endocrine diseases for a case-control ratio of 1:1. A complete medical chart, physical examination and biochemical analysis were completed before delivery. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of potential risk factors associated with PE.

The presence of factors present in the metabolic syndrome cluster such as body mass index >31 Kg/m2 (OR = 2.18; 1.14-4.14 95% CI), high-density lipoprotein <1.24 mmol/L (OR = 2.42; 1.53-3.84 95% CI), triglycerides >3.24 mmol/L (OR = 1.60; 1.04-2.48 95% CI) and glycemia >4.9 mmol/L (OR = 2.66; 1.47-4.81 95%CI) as well as being primigravidae (OR = 1.71; 1.07-2.73 95% CI) were associated with the development of PE, after adjusting for other variables.

Factors present in the cluster of metabolic syndrome and primigravidity were associated with a greater risk of PE among Colombian women. Understanding the role of this cluster of risk factors in the development of PE is of crucial importance to prevent PE and remains to be determined.