PP008. Lipotoxicity and preeclampsia: A probable correlation (preliminary results)

The impact of preeclampsia (PE) of pregnancy is seen as a global concern. Despite their importance, PE does not have well-established causes. Several studies point to obesity as a predisposing factor for PE [1]. In a systematic review Duckitt and Harrington showed that in women with BMI⩾30 the relative risk of developing PE is equal to 2.1 [2]. Bianco et al. demonstrated that the chance of patients with BMI⩾35 developing PE is more than 4 times [3]. Furthermore, it is believed that the intracellular accumulation of triglycerides cause mitochondrial dysfunction, more electron transport and generation of ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) [4], causing a harmful effect on the endothelium.

To compare the incidence of potential lipotoxicity markers among normal pregnant women and with pre-eclampsia.

A case-control study, including pregnant women from October 2011 to January 2012 at Hospital Guilherme Álvaro in Santos/Brazil. The study group consisted of 27 mothers with pre-eclampsia, according to the criteria of NHBPEP (2000) and the control group consisted of 27 mothers with normal pregnancy, who gave birth vaginally, at term without hypertension. The exclusion criteria were diagnosis of collagen diseases, smoking, diabetes, twin pregnancy and fetal malformations. Blood samples were collected immediately after delivery and the results were analyzed in conjunction with maternal data, according to the following variables: age, body mass index (BMI), serum cholesterol total and fractions, glucose, triglyceride and creative protein. Analysis of SF data was performed by calculating the odds ratio adopting an hypothesis rejection level of 0.05.

The PE group had BMI>30 (or), serum triglycerides>150 (or) and LDL cholesterol>100 (or) more frequently than normal mothers, and as regards statistical significance comparing the age of the women, glucose level, HDS cholesterol, there was no significant difference between the groups.

In pregnancy, lipotoxicity reduces the ability of trophoblastic invasion, causing maternal systemic endothelial and placental dysfunction causing alterations in metabolic functions. All such changes maintain a close relationship with the pathophysiology of PE. Monitoring pregestational period of obese patients or those with lipid disorders is part of the medical arsenal against PE by monitoring and advising on the best time to conceive.