Association between Low Maternal Serum Cholesterol Levels and Low Birth Weight in Term Neonates
Keywords:
Hypocholesterolaemia, Intrauterine Growth Restriction, Low Birth Weight, LBWAbstract
Background: Low birth weight (LBW) is the single most powerful predictor of mortality in the first few months of life especially in most developing countries. The physiologic hypercholesterolaemia of later pregnancy suggests an adaptive function for pregnancy maintenance or fetal growth. Decreased levels of maternal total cholesterol have been reported in association with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).
Methods: This was a prospective observational cohort study designed to assess whether low maternal serum cholesterol during early pregnancy is associated with LBW in term neonates. Eligible participants were enrolled for the study at gestational age of 14 to 20 weeks over a period of 12 months. Blood samples were obtained to measure total serum cholesterol concentrations and the sera were then analyzed enzymatically by the cholesterol oxidase: p-aminophenazone (CHOD PAP) method. Association between Low maternal serum cholesterol and LBW was tested using chi-square. All significance are reported at P<0.05.
Results: The study showed an incidence of 10.7% for delivery of LBW babies in the low risk study patients.LBW was 2.02-times more common with low total maternal cholesterol than with midrange maternal cholesterol levels (13.4% versus 8.3%, P=0.043).
Conclusion: We can infer from the study that the low maternal serum cholesterol (hypocholesterolaemia) is associated with LBW in term neonates. We can therefore recommend on this basis that the concept of an optimal range for maternal serum cholesterol during pregnancy may have merit and pregnant women should be encouraged to follow a healthy, balanced diet and ensure regular antenatal visit to their healthcare provider.
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