131-POS

Abstract

Objectives Preeclampsia is a life-threatening disorder of late gestation of unknown origin. Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) is discussed as marker, but also as pathogenic factor for preeclampsia. Thus, removal of sFlt-1 by dextran-sulfate apheresis is suggested to be causative for clinical improvements in preeclampsia. However, as shown by Wang et al. (2006) heparin-mediated extracorporeal low-density lipoprotein precipitation (HELP) apheresis not addressing sFlt showed similar clinical benefits, whereas both techniques lower low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by at least 60%. Hence, LDL may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Methods Changes of lipoprotein metabolism during normal pregnancy (NP) and the association to preeclampsia were shown previously (Winkler et al., 2000, 2003). From this clinical data-set we now present compositional data of LDL during NP and in preeclampsia. Results During pregnancy the ratio of triglycerides/cholesterol (TG/CH) in LDL raises steadily, peaks around delivery and drops to almost non-pregnant values within 4 weeks postpartum (Figure). At the 33rd gestational week (g.w.) the TG/CH-ratio of preeclampsia was significantly higher compared to NP, both at the 34th g.w. and at birth. At the 33rd g.w. a TG/CH-threshold of ⩾ 0.21 [mmol/mmol] discriminates PE from NP (34th g.w.) with a sensitivity and specificity of 80% and 91%, respectively. Conclusions The LDL TG/CH-ratio may have some potential as marker for preeclampsia. However, the cut-off may vary with gestational age and sensitivity and specificity need to be further investigated in larger cohorts. Disclosures K. Winkler: None. C. Contini: None. U. Pecks: None. M.M. Hoffmann: None. G. Putz: None.