Preeclampsia and Preterm Birth Associated With Visceral Adiposity in Early Pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if an increasing amount of visceral adipose tissue, measured by ultrasound in early pregnancy, is associated with a higher risk of preeclampsia and preterm birth (PTB).

METHODS

We completed a prospective cohort study of 463 pregnant women. Maternal visceral adiposity tissue (VAT) depth was measured by ultrasound at 11 to 14 weeks' gestation. Relative risks (RR) were adjusted for age, parity, chronic hypertension, pre-pregnancy BMI, and use of acetylsalicylic acid.

RESULTS

The rate of preeclampsia was much higher at quintile (Q) 5 of VAT depth (9.8%) than at Q1 to Q4 (1.6%) but not significantly so in the adjusted model (RR 3.39, 95% CI 0.86 to 13.39). The adjusted RR of PTB was significantly elevated at Q5 VAT depth (6.53, 95% CI 1.47 to 6.53), as was preeclampsia with PTB (16.91, 95% CI 1.24 to 231.07).

CONCLUSION

Higher amounts of VAT in pregnancy may play a direct role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, including early onset preeclampsia necessitating preterm delivery.