Dyslipidemia in Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of Molecular Alterations and Clinical Implications

Abstract

Background: Dyslipidemia in pregnancy presents unique clinical challenges due to its effects on maternal and fetal health. This systematic review hypothesizes that molecular alterations in lipid metabolism during pregnancy contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes and seeks to identify the clinical implications of these changes. The rationale behind this review stems from the increased risk of complications such as preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, and acute pancreatitis associated with dyslipidemia in pregnancy. The primary objective is to examine the interplay between lipid metabolism and pregnancy outcomes. Methods: To achieve this, a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted, with a comprehensive search of the PubMed database covering articles from January 2014 to June 2024. Inclusion criteria focused on studies assessing molecular alterations and clinical outcomes of dyslipidemia in pregnancy, while case reports and relevant clinical trials were analyzed to evaluate both maternal and fetal outcomes. A total of 12 studies were included in the final analysis. Results: This study provided evidence of the need for early detection and management strategies to reduce risks. The outcomes revealed significant associations between dyslipidemia and adverse maternal outcomes such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and pancreatitis, as well as fetal outcomes like preterm birth and fetal distress. Conclusions: Early lipid monitoring and intervention are crucial in mitigating these risks and suggests that a multidisciplinary approach is necessary to improve maternal and fetal health in pregnancies complicated by dyslipidemia.