Ceruloplasmin as a Vital Tool for Grading of Preeclampsia: A Case-Control Study in Central India

Preeclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure (≥ 140/90 mmHg), proteinuria, and edema after 20 weeks of gestation. Affecting 3-10% of pregnancies globally, PE is a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.

This case-control study involved 105 pregnant women in their third trimester (28-40 weeks), divided into three groups: 35 normotensive controls, 35 with mild preeclampsia, and 35 with severe preeclampsia. Serum ceruloplasmin levels were measured using a turbidimetry method on a Biosystem BA400 analyzer. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, with P values < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

The study found significantly higher ceruloplasmin levels in preeclamptic women compared to the control group. Normotensive women had mean ceruloplasmin levels of 84.53 ± 7.33 mg/dl, while women with mild and severe preeclampsia had levels of 107.44 ± 7.37 mg/dl and 135.42 ± 10.73 mg/dl, respectively. The differences were statistically significant (P < 0.00001).

Elevated serum ceruloplasmin levels were strongly associated with the severity of preeclampsia. Early detection of elevated levels may help in diagnosing and managing preeclampsia, potentially reducing maternal and fetal complications.