Clinical and biochemical factors associated with preeclampsia in women with obesity

Objective: To compare early pregnancy clinical and biomarker risk factors for later development of preeclampsia between women with obesity (body mass index, BMI ≥30 kg/m²) and those with a normal BMI (20–25 kg/m²). 

Methods: In 3,940 eligible nulliparous women from the Screening for Pregnancy Endpoints (SCOPE) study, a total of 53 biomarkers of glucose and lipid metabolism, placental function, and known markers of preeclampsia were measured at 14 to 16 weeks' gestation. Logistic regression was performed to identify clinical and biomarker risk factors for preeclampsia in women with and without obesity. 

Results: Among 834 women with obesity and 3,106 with a normal BMI, 77 (9.2%) and 105 (3.4%) developed preeclampsia, respectively. In women with obesity, risk factors included a family history of thrombotic disease, low plasma placental growth factor, and higher uterine artery resistance index at 20 weeks. In women with a normal BMI, a family history of preeclampsia or gestational hypertension, mean arterial blood pressure, plasma endoglin and cystatin C, and uterine artery resistance index were associated with preeclampsia, while high fruit intake was protective. 

Conclusions: Women with obesity and a normal BMI have different early pregnancy clinical and biomarker risk factors for preeclampsia.