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.


METHODS
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.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Mori
Michiko
M
Tokyo Women's Medical University, Kawadacho, Shinjukuku, Tokyo, Japan.
Mori
Akira
A
Saburi
Yoshiyuki
Y
Sida
Masako
M
Ohta
Hiroaki
H
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006340:Heart Rate, Fetal; D006801:Humans; D008074:Lipoproteins / Q000097:blood*; D008423:Maternal Age; D021041:Placental Circulation / Q000502:physiology; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000097:blood; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000097:blood*; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000097:blood*; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014469:Umbilical Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014655:Vascular Resistance
D008074:Lipoproteins