THE METABOLIC SYNDROME AND ITS COMPONENTS IN MID-PREGNANCY IN TEHRAN, 2013-14

Considering the importance of the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome and its effects
on maternal and neonatal outcomes, this study was performed to determine the prevalence of the
metabolic syndrome and its components in mid-pregnancy.
Materials & Methods: A descriptive study was performed on 241 pregnant women at 24-28 weeks of
gestation, undergoing 50 gr glucose challenge test (GCT), in Tehran, 2013-14. Before admission,
complete information about the study was provided for all participants, and a written consent was
obtained. Metabolic Syndrome was diagnosed with 3 or more of the following criteria: triglyceride ≥150
mg/dl; HDL-cholesterol <50 mg/dl; GCT ≥140 mg/dl; pre-pregnancy body mass index ≥30 kg/m2; blood
pressure ≥130/85 mmHg. Data were analyzed using SPSS V.21, p-values<0.05 were considered
significant.
Results: The most prevalent component of the metabolic syndrome was hypertriglyceridemia (82.6%)
and impaired GCT (40.2%).
The overall frequency of metabolic syndrome among pregnant women 18-40 years old was 6.2% by
modified ATPIII definition. Women with metabolic syndrome had significantly higher body mass
indexes (P=˂.001), blood pressures (P=˂.001). These women also had significantly lower HDLcholesterol levels (p=.03), higher glucose challenge test (P=˂.001). There was no statistically significant
difference in mean triglyceride levels between women with and without metabolic syndrome in
pregnancy.
Conclusions: The findings of our study showed a high prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in midpregnancy, more studies are needed to establish a relationship.