Correlation between maternal first trimester plasma leptin levels and birth weight among normotensive and preeclamptic women

Objective. To determine the connection between maternal first trimester serum leptin levels and newborn weight. Methods. The study included 37 preeclamptic women and 53 normotensive women who considered the control group. Maternal blood samples were withdrawn at 13 weeks of gestation for the measurement of leptin concentrations. Birth weights were transformed to z-scores according to maternal and obstetrical features, based on customised centiles. Non-parametric tests, student's t-test, Pearson's correlation, Spearman's correlation and linear regression analysis were performed in our analysis. Results. Pre-pregnancy body mass index and first trimester maternal plasma leptin levels were significantly higher among women with preeclampsia (p = 0.015 and p < 0.001, respectively). Birth weight z-score was negatively correlated with leptin levels (r = -0.570, p < 0.001), in preeclamptic group and in control group (r = -0.477, p < 0.001). The regression modelling demonstrated a significant negative association between birth weight z-scores and leptin for both groups. Conclusion. Maternal first trimester serum leptin demonstrates a significant negative association with neonatal weight in preeclamptic pregnancies and to a lesser extent in normotensive pregnancies. A possible leptin's involvement in pathophysiological adaptations that define the foetal growth potential can be supported.