Estimation of Lipid Profile, Hepatic Enzymes,
Malondialdehyde, and Uric Acid in Preeclampsia: Implications for Early Intervention
BC27-BC31
Correspondence
Dr. Prem Kumar Gera,
Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Government Medical College, Vizianagaram-535003, Andhra Pradesh, India.
E-mail: drgerapremkumar@gmail.com
Introduction: Preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication, poses significant risks to both maternal and foetal health, potentially leading to morbidity and mortality. This condition is characterised by changes in lipid profiles, hepatic enzymes, Malondialdehyde (MDA), and uric acid levels. Despite significant medical advancements, identifying precise biomarkers for preeclampsia remains complex. Moreover, there is a lack of epidemiological research on preeclampsia within the southern Indian population.
Aim: To estimate the levels of serum lipid profiles, hepatic enzyme levels, MDA, and uric acid levels in pregnant women with preeclampsia. Also, to examine the association between MDA and uric acid levels among women with preeclampsia and those with normal pregnancies.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 162 pregnant patients aged between 18 and 35 years, who attended the Outpatient Department (OPD) or were admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India between February 2021 and October 2021. The participants were divided into three groups: Group A (54 normotensive pregnant women), Group B (54 pregnant women with non severe preeclampsia), and Group C (54 pregnant women with severe preeclampsia). Lipid profiles, hepatic enzymes, MDA, and uric acid were evaluated in all subjects, and their relationship with preeclampsia severity was assessed. The data were statistically analysed using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by the Tukey post-hoc test.
Results: The study groups (A, B, and C) had comparable age and gestational periods. However, significant variations were observed in lipid profiles, hepatic enzymes, MDA, and uric acid levels among them, which associated with the severity of preeclampsia. Increasing severity was associated with higher cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as a decrease in High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Furthermore, disease progression led to significant elevations in Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) , uric acid, and MDA levels. In particular, Group A displayed total cholesterol levels of 138.3±20.32 mg/dL, triglycerides of 109.98±15.22 mg/dL, and a negative association with HDL-cholesterol at 30.57±3.65 mg/dL. In contrast, Group C exhibited considerably higher levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, AST, ALT, uric acid, and MDA compared to Group A.
Conclusion: As preeclampsia worsens, cholesterol and triglyceride levels increase, while HDL-cholesterol decreases, indicating a deteriorating metabolic profile. Additionally, ALP, uric acid, and MDA levels rise, indicating increased oxidative stress and liver function impact with the progression of the ailment.