An exploratory study of white blood cell proportions across preeclamptic and normotensive pregnancy by self-identified race in individuals with overweight or obesity.

Objective

Examine white blood cell (WBC) proportions across preeclamptic (n = 28 cases) and normotensive (n = 28 controls) pregnancy in individuals with overweight/obesity.

Methods

WBC proportions were inferred from genome-wide DNA methylation data and compared by case/control status and self-identified race.

Results

In Trimester 1, ean B cell proportions were suggestively lower in cases in the overall sample and significantly lower in White participants but not in Black participants. More significant WBC proportion changes were observed across normotensive than preeclamptic pregnancy.

Conclusions

These findings in a small sample demonstrate need for additional studies investigating the relationship between self-identified race and WBCs in pregnancy.