Second-Trimester Maternal Serum Beta-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and Lipid Profile as a Predictor of Gestational Hypertension, Preeclampsia, and Eclampsia: A Prospective Observational Study

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are important complications of pregnancy and are associated with high maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. Early diagnosis may improve maternal and perinatal outcome by ensuring appropriate management.

Our aim is to assess the serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and serum lipid profile in the early and late trimesters of at-risk mothers and to analyze whether these parameters can be used to predict pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and its time of onset.

A prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tata Main Hospital, Jamshedpur, India. Two hundred antenatal women were screened for serum beta-hCG and lipid profile in their early (14-18 weeks) and late (24-28 weeks) second trimesters. All patients were followed up till delivery and observed for the development of PIH. Results were evaluated and analyzed statistically.

The incidence of PIH in our study was 14.67% (n = 27). Most of the patients had late-onset PIH (88.88%, n = 27), whereas 11.12% (n = 3) had an early onset of the disease. Of 27 patients, 6 patients developed preeclampsia and none had eclampsia. The mean beta-hCG level in the study population at the early second trimester was 91,723.97, whereas in the late second trimester, it was 22,456.25. In PIH patients, a significant increase in the level of serum cholesterol, triglyceride, and very-low-density lipoprotein was noted in both the early and late second trimesters.

This study showed that serum beta-hCG and lipid profile in the second trimester are useful indicators to identify women who are likely to develop PIH, preeclampsia, or eclampsia.