Adjusted leptin level (ALL) is a predictor for hyperemesis gravidarum

Abstract

Objective: To compare the maternal serum leptin level according to the gestational week and to assess the relationship between the adjusted serum leptin level and thyroid hormones. In order to obtain this objective a new parameter is developed: adjusted leptin level (ALL: maternal serum leptin level/gestational week).

Study design: A prospective study was carried out at the early prenatal care unit, SSK Ankara Women's Health and Teaching Hospital. Fifty-four women with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) and 42 pregnant women without HG as a control group were included to the study. The groups were compared for age, parity, body mass index, fasting serum TSH, free T3, free T4 and leptin levels. A new parameter; ALL was also calculated in each case.

Results: Gestational age and body mass index (BMI) were found significantly lower in the HG group than in the control group (p=0.001). ALL was significantly high in the HG group (p=0.009). Serum TSH, free T3, free T4 levels were significantly different in the HG group than in the control group (p=0.003, 0.013, 0.012, respectively). A significant positive correlation was found between ALL and BMI in the HG group (r=0.449 p=0.001). The maternal leptin level was also positively correlated with BMI in the HG group (r=0.313 p=0.025).

Conclusion: Etiology of the hyperemesis gravidarum is multifactorial. However we can postulate the adjusted leptin level is a good predictor for hyperemesis gravidarum.