M. Mori, A. Mori, Y. Saburi, M. Sida, H. Ohta
Levels of lipoprotein(a) in normal and compromised pregnancy
Objective: To study maternal lipoprotein(a) levels in
normal pregnancy and in pregnancy with evidence of
vascular disease in the maternal uteroplacental circulation
defined by Doppler ultrasound study.
Samples: Maternal venous blood was collected from
75 normal pregnant women and 68 pregnant women
with evidence of potential uteroplacental vascular disease
identified by Doppler ultrasound study.
Methods: Plasma lipoprotein(a) levels in maternal blood
were measured using an enzyme-liked immunosorbent
assay method.
Main outcome measures: Plasma lipoprotein(a) levels
and pregnancy outcome were examined.
Results: None of the normal group had lipoprotein(a)
levels greater than 30 mg/dl, a cutoff level which has
been associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis.
28 of the 68 women with uteroplacental insufficiency
had lipoprotein(a) levels greater than this cutoff level.
In this group there was a statistically significant higher
prevalence of preeclampsia in comparison with women
with a normal lipoprotein(a) level (p < 0.001). The
lipoprotein(a) level was significantly higher in severe
(n = 13, median 60.5 mg/dl, P < 0.001] than in mild
preeclampsia (n = 5, median 34 mg/dl). Those with high
levels (> 30 mg/dl) exhibited significantly more adverse
indices of fetal outcome.
Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that high levels
of lipoprotein(a) interfere with uteroplacental circulation
and play a role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia.
Lipoprotein(a) concentrations are associated
with the severity of the disease. We suggest that high levels
of lipoprotein(a) might affect the placenta and fetus.
Journal of Perinatal Medicine, Walter de Gruyter
Print ISSN: 1619-3997
Volume: 31, 01/2003
Pages: 23 - 28
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