[Lipid and lipoprotein levels in normal and complicated pregnancies]

Lipid and lipoprotein levels during pregnancy and postpartum were compared in healthy pregnant women and in high risk pregnancy groups including women with pre-existing metabolic syndrome. The second half of a normal pregnancy is accompanied by hyperlipidaemia and glucose intolerance. Physiological response to pregnancy represents a transient excursion into a metabolic syndrome.

Clinical study.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Regional Hospital Pardubice, Faculty of Health Studies, University of Pardubice.

Fasting plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels were studied in 54 women during pregnancy and postpartum at the Regional Hospital Pardubice. The group of patients consisted of 25 healthy pregnant women,11 women with gestational diabetes, 9 women with diabetes type 1 and 9 women with pre-existing metabolic syndrome. The results were compared to measurements in 30 non-pregnant healthy controls.

Total triglyceride levels in late gestation were at least but significantly (p < 0.001) elevated above those in non-pregnant controls in the group of patients with pre-existing metabolic syndrome. In the same group, in contrast with other groups, no changes in plasma cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were found in late pregnancy. However, significant decline in HDL-cholesterol, when compared to non-pregnant controls, was observed 6 and 24 months postpartum only in the group of women with pre-existing metabolic syndrome (p < 0.01, p < 0.001 respectively).

The gynaecologist may be the first physician that a woman of reproductive age and with a metabolic syndrome encounters, it is important to suspect the presence of this syndrome and inform the woman about the most notable clinical implications.