Serum lipoprotein [a] in normal pregnancy and E.P.H. gestosis

The study aimed to evaluate the hypothesis that lipoprotein [a] level is elevated in patients with EPH [edema, proteinurea, hypertension] gestosis and the relation of this level to the severity of the disease. The study consisted of 85 pregnant women with gestational age above 34 weeks. They are classified into three groups: [A] 25 women with normal uncomplicated pregnancies, [B] 30 women with mild EPH gestosis, [C] 30 women with severe EPH gestosis. Serum lipoprotein [a] is measured in each patient using ELISA technique. The mean lipoprotein [a] level showed a significant increase in patients with EPH gestosis than in normal pregnancy. This level showed a direct positive correlation with the severity of the disease. Lipoprotein [a] mean level was 26.9 +/- 2.1 mg/dl in mild EPH and in severe EPH gestosis, it was 47.3 +/- 13.1 mg/dl. The results showed that lipoprotein [a] level is elevated in EPH gestosis and is proportionate to the severity of the disease and it may serve as a marker of the pathogenic process of the disease