title: Preterm delivery and low maternal serum cholesterol level: Any correlation?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The study assessed whether low maternal serum cholesterol during early pregnancy is associated with preterm delivery.
  
  
  METHODS
  It was a prospective observational cohort study involving pregnant women at gestational age of 14-20 weeks over a period of 12 months. Blood samples were obtained to measure total serum cholesterol concentrations and the sera were then analysed enzymatically by the cholesterol oxidase: p-aminophenazone (CHOD PAP) method.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The study showed an incidence of 5.0% for preterm delivery in the low risk study patients. Preterm birth was 4.83-times more common with low total maternal cholesterol than with midrange total cholesterol (11.8% versus 2.2%, P = 0.024).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Low maternal serum cholesterol (hypocholesterolaemia) is associated with preterm delivery. Optimal maternal serum cholesterol during pregnancy may have merit, therefore pregnant women should be encouraged to follow a healthy, balanced diet.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Ayodeji A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Oluwole
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Maymunah A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Adegbesan-Omilabu
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Kehinde S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Okunade
keywords: Hypocholesterolaemia; perinatal mortality; preterm birth; preterm delivery