Maternal hyperlipidemia and the risk of preeclampsia: a meta-analysis

CN Spracklen, CJ Smith, AF Saftlas…�- American journal of�…, 2014 - academic.oup.com
CN Spracklen, CJ Smith, AF Saftlas, JG Robinson, KK Ryckman
American journal of epidemiology, 2014academic.oup.com
Published reports examining lipid levels during pregnancy and preeclampsia have been
inconsistent. The objective of this meta-analysis was to test the association between
preeclampsia and maternal total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C),
low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-HDL-C, and triglyceride levels measured
during pregnancy. We conducted a systematic search for studies published between the
index date until July 2013 reporting maternal lipid levels in women with preeclampsia and�…
Published reports examining lipid levels during pregnancy and preeclampsia have been inconsistent. The objective of this meta-analysis was to test the association between preeclampsia and maternal total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-HDL-C, and triglyceride levels measured during pregnancy. We conducted a systematic search for studies published between the index date until July 2013 reporting maternal lipid levels in women with preeclampsia and normotensive pregnant women. Seventy-four studies met all eligibility criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Weighted mean differences in lipid levels were calculated using a random-effects model. Statistical heterogeneity was investigated using the I2 statistic. Meta-regression was used to identify sources of heterogeneity. Preeclampsia was associated with elevated total cholesterol, non-HDL-C, and triglyceride levels, regardless of gestational age at the time of blood sampling, and with lower levels of HDL-C in the third trimester. A marginal association was found with LDL-C levels. Statistical heterogeneity was detected in all analyses. Meta-regression analyses suggested that differences in body mass index (weight (kg)/height (m)2) across studies may be partially responsible for the heterogeneity in the triglyceride and LDL-C analyses. This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrates that women who develop preeclampsia have elevated levels of total cholesterol, non-HDL-C, and triglycerides during all trimesters of pregnancy, as well as lower levels of HDL-C during the third trimester.
Oxford University Press