[The changes of serum total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and atherogenic index in postpartum]

The changes of serum total cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), Atherogenic Index [TC-HDL-C)/HDL-C, AI) and body weight in postpartum were studied in 58 normal women with obvious hypercholesterolemia (TC greater than or equal to 300 mg/dl) during pregnancy. They were divided into two groups: Groups A (n = 33) and B (n = 25), according to the maximal levels of TC (TCmax) in pregnancy, (Group A: TCmax less than 350mg/dl, Group B: TCmax greater than or equal to 350mg/dl). These groups were divided into four subgroups according to the length of time during which TC was below 250mg/dl) after delivery. In Groups A1 (n = 20) and B1 (n = 12) TC reached 250mg/dl within 10 weeks postpartum, and in Groups A2 (n = 13) and B2 (n = 13) after more than 11 weeks postpartum. TC in Group A was significantly higher than in Group B within 6 weeks postpartum. In Group A AI was significantly lower than in Group B at the same period. HDL-C in Group B1 was significantly higher than in Group B2. AI in Group B1 was significantly lower than in Group B2. In Group A TC reached 250mg/dl more rapidly than in Group B. The average weekly weight loss in postpartum in each Group A1 or B1 was significantly greater than each Group A2 or B2. The degree of hypercholesterolemia in pregnancy might influence the changes of serum lipids in postpartum. Rapid weight loss in postpartum might bring rapid recovery from abnormal metabolism of serum lipids in pregnancy.