Characteristics of early pregnancy and prevention of gestational and perinatal complications in women with metabolic syndrome

Abstract

Introduction. Based on the knowledge of early gestational disorders related to metabolic syndrome (MS), pathogenetically relevant preventive treatment meeting the requirements of perinatal pharmacology can be developed. Aim. To reveal clinical and laboratory characteristics of early pregnancy and develop pathogenetically relevant preventive monotherapy for unfavorable gestational and perinatal outcomes in women with metabolic syndrome. Material and methods. A total of 230 women were investigated and divided into four groups: Group I consisted of 68 pregnant women with MS who refused any preventive measures; Group II comprised 97 women with MS who received periconceptional preventive monotherapy with dydrogesterone, a progestagen; Group III consisted of 35 healthy primigravidas women with physiological course of gestation; Group IV comprised 30 healthy non-pregnant women. Laboratory testing during I–III trimesters allowed to assess the dynamics demonstrated by markers of lipid spectrum, endothelial dysfunction, apoptosis, decidualization, energy metabolism, and immunomodulation. Results. A balance between factors of physiological damage and gestational adaptation in the course of physiological pregnancy has been shown to be of primary significance. In women with MS, embryo-placental dysfunction develops during early pregnancy, and this stage is preceding for major obstetric syndromes. Preventive administration of dydrogesterone in women with MS appeared highly effective: NNT (number needed to treat) was 1.33 (95% CI 0.9–1.8); OR 5.2 (95% CI 4.6–5.7). Conclusion. Pregestational changes and atherogenic profile of gestational process determine the course of early pregnancy in women with MS with the development of embryo-placental dysfunction and major obstetric syndromes. High efficacy in the prevention of unfavorable gestational and perinatal outcomes was shown by preventive dydrogesterone monotherapy.

Keywords

• metabolic syndrome
• early gestation
• preventive treatment with dydrogesterone
• standards of evidence-based medicine