The Role of Obesity in the Development of Preeclampsia
Miguel Javier Schiavone1, Mariana Paula Pérez2, Analía Aquieri3
1Department of Hypertension, Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires, Solís 2184 - C 1134 ADT - CABA, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina. mjschiavone@gmail.com.
Insights
Obesity significantly increases the risk of preeclampsia (PE) due to systemic inflammation affecting placental development. Early screening and interventions like diet and exercise are crucial for reducing PE incidence and improving maternal-fetal outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Global obesity pandemic disproportionately affects women of childbearing age.
- Preeclampsia (PE) affects 2-4% of pregnancies, posing significant maternal and perinatal risks.
- Obesity is a major risk factor for PE development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the complex relationship between obesity and preeclampsia (PE).
- To emphasize clinical implications, screening tools, and interventions for managing obesity-related PE risk.
- To review markers for PE risk identification and strategies for reducing incidence.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review.
- Analysis of current research on obesity, inflammation, and placental development in PE.
- Evaluation of screening tools and intervention strategies.
Main Results:
- Obesity-induced systemic inflammation and adipose tissue dysfunction contribute to PE pathogenesis.
- Excess adiposity promotes antiangiogenic factor expression, impacting placental development.
- Women with obesity have an elevated risk of developing PE.
Conclusions:
- Appropriate screening and early interventions are vital for managing PE in women with obesity.
- Lifestyle modifications, including exercise, weight management, and diet, can reduce PE incidence.
- A holistic approach is necessary to enhance maternal-fetal well-being in the context of obesity and PE.
Purpose Of Review:
This comprehensive review provides an in-depth exploration of the complex relationship between obesity and preeclampsia (PE) and emphasizes the clinical implications of this association. It highlights the crucial role of screening tools in assessing individual risk and determining the need for additional antenatal care among women with obesity. The review investigates various markers for identifying the risk of developing PE, while emphasizing the significance of interventions such as exercise, weight management, and a balanced diet in reducing the incidence of preeclampsia and improving outcomes for both mother and fetus.
Recent Findings:
Actually, there is a global pandemic of obesity, particularly among women of childbearing age and pregnant women. PE, which is characterized by maternal hypertension, proteinuria, and complications, affects 2-4% of pregnancies worldwide, posing significant risks to maternal and perinatal health. Women with obesity face an elevated risk of developing PE due to the systemic inflammation resulting from excess adiposity, which can adversely affect placental development. Adipose tissue, rich in proinflammatory cytokines and complement proteins, contributes to the pathogenesis of PE by promoting the expression of antiangiogenic factors in the mother. This review emphasizes the need for appropriate screening, interventions, and a holistic approach to reduce the incidence of preeclampsia and enhance maternal-fetal well-being, thus providing valuable insights into the multifaceted association between obesity and PE.
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