Association of mid-trimester serum β-hCG and lipid profile with pre-eclampsia in high-risk pregnant women at selected health facilities, Unguja
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Date
2025
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Kairuki University
Abstract
Background
Preeclampsia (PE) remains a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, with emerging evidence suggesting a role for biochemical markers such as serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) and lipid abnormalities in its pathogenesis.
Objective: To investigate the association between mid-second trimester serum β-hCG levels, lipid profile alterations, and the subsequent development of preeclampsia.
Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted among 325 pregnant women in their second trimester. Serum β-hCG and lipid profile were measured. Descriptive statistics were applied to evaluate variations in β-hCG and lipid levels. Subsequently, odds ratios (ORs) at 95% of confidence interval were computed using SPSS software version 25.0., to determine the strength of association between elevated β-hCG and lipid levels and the risk of developing preeclampsia.
Results: Elevated serum β-hCG levels during the mid-trimester were observed in 15.1% (n=49) of participants. Lipid abnormalities were prevalent, with elevated TC, LDL, and TG levels identified in 25.5 %(n=83), 30.5%(n=99), and 41.1 %(n=153) of participants, respectively, while 17.8%(n=58) had abnormally low HDL. Elevated β-hCG was associated with a 2.9 fold increased risk of developing preeclampsia by the end of the second trimester. Similarly, high LDL and TG levels were significantly (p <0.05) associated with 7.1-fold and 6.4 fold increased risks of preeclampsia, respectively. Additionally, total cholesterol, low HDL, high LDL, high TG, and elevated TC were significantly (p<0.05) associated with increased PE risk in the third trimester, with odds ratios of 2.8, 16, 9.8 and 8.2 respectively. Elevated HDL levels, however, were not significantly associated with preeclampsia, suggesting a potential protective role.
Conclusion: Elevated mid-trimester serum β-hCG and dyslipidemia, particularly low HDL and high levels of LDL, TG, and TC, are strongly associated with increased risk of preeclampsia. These biomarkers may serve as useful predictors for early identification and risk stratification of PE, warranting further investigations in clinical screening protocols.
Description
A Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for Master’s Degree in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Kairuki University
Keywords
lipid profile, preeclampsia, gestational age
Citation
Rajab, Hafidh M. 2025. Association of mid-trimester serum β-hCG and lipid profile with pre-eclampsia in high-risk pregnant women at selected health facilities, Unguja. Dissertation. Kairuki University