The predictive role of maternal and umbilical cord triglyceride-glucose index on neonatal health in preeclamptic pregnancies: a prospective observational study.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the predictive value of maternal and umbilical cord blood triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index for adverse neonatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia.

Study design: This prospective case-control study included 43 pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia and 45 normotensive controls. Maternal and umbilical cord blood samples were collected at the time of delivery to measure glucose and triglyceride levels. TyG index was calculated for both maternal and cord blood. Neonatal outcomes including Apgar scores, NICU admission, and composite neonatal morbidity were recorded. ROC analysis was performed to assess the predictive accuracy of TyG indices.

Results: Maternal and cord blood TyG indices were significantly higher in the preeclampsia group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). ROC analysis revealed that a cord blood TyG index > 7.59 predicted composite adverse neonatal outcomes with 92% sensitivity and 72% specificity (AUC: 0.853, 95% CI: 0.74-0.96, p < 0.001). NICU admission rates and low Apgar scores were more frequent in the preeclampsia group, indicating a significant association between elevated TyG indices and adverse neonatal outcomes.

Conclusion: The TyG index, particularly when measured in umbilical cord blood, may serve as a useful predictor of adverse neonatal outcomes in pregnancies affected by preeclampsia. This easily accessible metabolic marker could support perinatal risk stratification and clinical decision-making.