Atherogenic indices in preeclamptic and eclamptic patients in North-Central Nigeria

Microvascular, placental, haematological and lipid studies suggest striking similarities between preeclampsia/eclampsia and atherosclerosis. To determine the lipid profile and atherogenic indices in preeclamptic/eclamptic patients and compare with normal pregnant women. Comparative cross-sectional study conducted in North Central Nigeria. The study population was preeclamptic/eclamptic patients and normal pregnant women. A total of 192 women, comprising 96 pregnant women with preeclampsia/eclampsia and an equal number of normotensive controls were recruited consecutively by purposive sampling. Lipid profiles were estimated and atherogenic indices were calculated. Coronary heart disease risk ratio (CRR) and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) showed significantly increased atherogenic potentials in subjects compared to controls. Mean ± SD CRR of subjects was 0.28 ± 0.17, Mean ± SD CRR of controls was 0.44 ± 0.24 ( p = 0.001); Mean ± SD AIP of subjects was 0.32 ± 0.42 and mean ± SD AIP of controls was 0.16 ± 0.26 ( p = 0.003). Atherogenic indices show increased atherogenic potentials in preeclamptic/eclamptics.