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The U.S. average freshman graduation rate (percent-age of public high school students who graduate on time with a regular diploma) for public schools in 2005-2006 was 73.2 percent (1). This [...]

A great deal of attention has been given to the need for more minority teachers. This issue deserves serious consideration as the K-12 minority student population increases and the number [...]

Preeclamsia is associated with the changes in the metabolic syndrome such as insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and increased uric acid. The Trp64Srg polymorphism of the beta3-receptor does not predispose to preeclampsia and it is not associated with obesity and carbohydrate intolerance in a population of young pregnant women.

Decision tree models are described that can predict which pregnant women are likely to require a cesarean delivery. The models incorporate well-known risk factors for a cesarean delivery, including previous cesarean delivery, maternal diabetes or hypertension, preeclampsia, abnormal fetal presentation, twin pregnancy, and a displaced placenta.

Preeclampsia may be associated with increased levels of triglycerides and free fatty acids but not of cholesterol and may be related to a metabolite of lipids (malondialdehyde). Preeclampsia is a serious complication of pregnancy marked by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Researchers compared blood samples taken before delivery and 24 to 48 hours after delivery from eight women with preeclampsia and nine healthy pregnant women. Triglyceride and free fatty acid blood levels were much higher in preeclamptic women than in normal women before delivery. Triglyceride levels dropped after delivery in both preeclamptic and normal women. Malondialdehyde, a byproduct of fat breakdown, was found to be 50% higher in the blood of preeclamptic women before delivery. Its presence may indicate problems with fat metabolism in preeclampsia.

Byline: Carl A. Hubel, Margaret K. McLaughlin, Rhobert W. Evans, Beth A. Hauth, Cynthia J. Sims, James M. Roberts Keywords: Preeclampsia; triglycerides; free fatty acids; malondialdehyde; lipid peroxides Abstract: OBJECTIVE: We tested the hypothesis that serum free (nonesterified) fatty acid and triglyceride concentrations are increased in nulliparous women with preeclampsia relative to women with uncomplicated pregnancies and that these lipids decrease post partum, consistent with the known resolution of clinical symptoms. The relationships between serum concentrations of these lipids and the lipid peroxidation metabolite malondialdehyde were also examined. STUDY DESIGN: Predelivery and 24 to 48 hour postpartum venous blood samples were collected from eight women with preeclampsia and nine women with uncomplicated pregnancies after an 8- to 10-hour fast. Sera were analyzed for concentrations of triglycerides, free fatty acids, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and malondialdehyde. RESULTS: Antepartum serum triglyceride and free fatty acid concentrations were increased approximately twofold in women with preeclampsia relative to uncomplicated pregnancies (p < 0.02 and 0.004, respectively). Total, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations did not differ between groups. Concentrations of all lipids decreased significantly in both groups within 48 hours post partum. However, triglyceride and free fatty acid concentrations remained higher in women with preeclampsia (p < 0.006, both variables). Triglyceride and free fatty acid concentrations correlated positively, both ante partum (R.sup.2 0.42, p < 0.01) and post partum (R.sup.2 0.39, p < 0.02). Antepartum concentrations of malondialdehyde were 50% higher in women with preeclampsia (p < 0.01) and decreased post partum (p < 0.02) but did not decrease in controls (p = 0.07). Antepartum serum triglycerides and free fatty acids correlated positively with malondialdehyde concentrations (R.sup.2 0.38, p < 0.02, in both cases). CONCLUSION: Triglycerides and free fatty acids, but not cholesterol, are increased in preeclampsia and correlate with the lipid peroxidation metabolite malondialdehyde. We speculate that these interactions may contribute to endothelial cell dysfunction in preeclampsia. (AM J OBSTET GYNECOL 1996;174:975-82.) Author Affiliation: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Article History: Received 10 May 1995; Revised 12 July 1995; Accepted 9 August 1995 Article Note: (footnote) [star] From the Magee-Womens Research Institute, and the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh., [star][star] Supported in part by National Institutes of Health grant No. HD30367. C.A.H. was the recipient of Individual National Research Service Award No. HL 08786 from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the Irene McLenahan Young Investigator Research Fund Award, Magee-Womens Hospital., a Reprint requests: Carl A. Hubel, PhD, Magee-Womens Research Institute, 204 Craft Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213., aa 0002-9378/96 $5.00 + 0 6/1/68436