Hyperlipidaemia in the peripartum: epidemiology, physiology, and treatment options

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Metabolic disorders
• Cardiovascular health

Background:

• Pregnancy necessitates major lipid metabolism alterations for fetal development.
• Pre-existing cardiometabolic risks (obesity, hypertension, diabetes) heighten risks for adverse maternal/fetal outcomes.
• Rising maternal obesity and comorbidities highlight a gap in dyslipidemia screening and treatment guidelines during pregnancy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review physiological lipid metabolism changes in pregnancy.
• To examine the link between dyslipidemia and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
• To summarize current management strategies and identify research gaps for perinatal dyslipidemia.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of physiological changes in lipid metabolism during pregnancy.
• Analysis of studies associating dyslipidemia with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.
• Synthesis of current treatment options and identification of research needs.

Main Results:

• Pregnancy involves dynamic lipid profile shifts.
• Dyslipidemia in pregnancy is linked to adverse maternal and fetal complications.
• Current management guidelines for dyslipidemia in pregnancy are insufficient.

Conclusions:

• Improved understanding of pregnancy dyslipidemia is vital for maternal and fetal health.
• This knowledge can guide offspring risk assessment and inform clinical practice.
• Further research is needed to establish robust therapeutic guidelines for perinatal dyslipidemia.