Epicardial adipose tissue thickness associated with preeclampsia and birth weight in early pregnancy
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Jing Wang1, Chunfeng Li1, Wen Li2
1Department of obstetrics and gynecology, The First People's Hospital of Yuhang District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Insights
Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness is elevated in severe preeclampsia (PE) and predicts adverse birth outcomes. Measuring EAT may help identify pregnant women at risk for severe PE and low birth weight.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Obstetrics
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Preeclampsia (PE) is a significant cause of maternal and fetal complications.
- Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is metabolically active and may play a role in pregnancy disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness and preeclampsia (PE).
- To explore the correlation between EAT thickness and birth weight in pregnant women.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study involving 221 patients with PE and 81 controls.
- Echocardiography was used to measure EAT thickness at 11-13 weeks gestation.
- Birth weight was recorded at follow-up.
Main Results:
- EAT thickness was significantly higher in severe PE compared to mild PE (6.60±1.34 mm vs. 5.71±1.79 mm, p<0.001).
- EAT thickness and C-reactive protein were independent predictors of severe PE.
- Increased EAT thickness, hs-CRP, and severe PE were associated with lower birth weight.
Conclusions:
- EAT thickness is a valuable indicator for identifying pregnant women at risk for severe PE.
- EAT thickness is an independent risk factor for severe PE and is associated with low birth weight.
- EAT thickness is not a significant predictor for mild PE.
Objective:
Preeclampsia (PE) increases the risk of many adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. This study was to investigate the correlation between epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness and PE and birth weight.
Methods:
This was a single-center retrospective study, 221 patients with PE were selected, and 81 women without hypertension and proteinuria were selected as a comparison. Echocardiogram was performed in their first prenatal examinations at 11-13 gestational weeks, and the thickness of EAT was measured. At the subsequent follow-up, the birth weight was recorded.
Results:
EAT thickness was significantly elevated (6.60 ± 1.34 vs. 5.71 ± 1.79 mm, p < 0.001) in severe PE compared to mild PE. In the multivariate analysis, EAT thickness (OR 5.671, 95% CI, 1.991-16.150, p = 0.001), and C reactive protein (OR 4.097, 95% CI, 2.323-7.224, p < 0.001) were found as significant independent predictors of severe PE after adjusting for other risk factors. Linear regression analysis showed that hs-CRP, EAT thickness, and severe PE significantly negatively affected birth weight.
Conclusion:
EAT thickness can be used to identify pregnant women with severe PE risks and low birth weight. It is an independent risk factor for severe PE but is not a valuable sign of mild PE.
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