Investigating the Association of Metabolic Syndrome with Pre-eclampsia

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome shown to be associated with increased inflammatory state and pre-eclampsia in pregnant women in the western population. Association between metabolic syndrome and its components with pre-eclampsia is yet to be determined in Indian population. Objective: The aim was to investigate the association between metabolic syndrome and its components with pre-eclampsia. Methods: A case-control study was designed with cases who had gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia and controls were normal term deliveries. Clinical data and maternal serum were collected. The presence of metabolic syndrome (3/5 variables present) and a metabolic score (continuous 0-5) were investigated. Significant associations were evaluated using t-tests, and Pearson Chi-square tests of association. Results: A total of 100 cases and 265 controls were evaluated. We observed a higher odds of pre-eclampsia when metabolic syndrome was present (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.71 [1.1-6.67], P = 0.03). For every one-unit increase in metabolic score, there was a 39% increased odds of pre-eclampsia (AOR = 1.39 [1.06-1.82], P = 0.017). Conclusions: Metabolic syndrome was found to be associated with pre-eclampsia. For the presence of every parameter of metabolic syndrome present, increased the risk of pre-eclampsia.