The Relationship between Abdominal Aortic Intima-Media Thickness and Lipid Profile in Neonates Born to Mothers with Preeclampsia

Neonates born to mothers with preeclampsia are known to be associated with lipid alterations that might increase the risk for cardiovascular disease in adult life. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of preeclampsia on lipid metabolism, aortic intima-media thickness (aIMT) and subsequent atherogenic risk in newborn infants. Aortic intima-media thickness was measured in 60 neonates of mothers with preeclampsia (group I; 30 neonates of mothers with preeclampsia and group II; 30 neonates of mothers with severe preeclampsia) and 30 healthy neonates (group III). Maternal and cord serum lipid profiles were determined in all groups. Mean abdominal aIMT measurements were higher in the neonates born to mothers with preeclampsia (group I; 0,36 +/- 0,03 mm and group II; 0,36 +/- 0,04 mm) compared with the control group (group III; 0,33 +/- 0,03 mm, p=0,006). Serum triglyceride levels were significantly higher in the neonates born to mothers with preeclampsia (group I; 39,2 +/- 42,0 mg/dl and group II; 39,5 +/- 56,5 mg/dl) compared with the control group (group III; 14,9 +/- 18,8 mg/dl, p = 0,039). Serum HDL cholesterol levels were significantly lower in the neonates born to mothers with precclampsia (group I; 17,3 +/- 12,3 mg/dl and group II; 17,1 +/- 12,8 mg/dl) compared with the control group (group III; 27,6 +/- 13,0 mg/dl, p = 0,002). In conclusion; neonates of mothers with preeclampsia have significantly higher aIMT with lipid alterations. This may play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in adult life.