Serum leptin levels and the severity of preeclampsia

The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum leptin levels in preeclampsia patients and in normotensive pregnant women, as well as, to assess an association with the severity of the disease. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 14 patients with mild preeclampsia, 12 with severe preeclampsia, and in 32 normotensive pregnant women during the third trimester of pregnancy. Rigorous criteria of selection were considered. The leptin levels were tested by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent method. There were no significant differences in serum leptin concentrations between the patients with mild preeclampsia [13.6 +/- 11.2 (95% CI, 7.7-19.4) ng/mL], severe preeclampsia [14.8 +/- 11.5 (95% CI, 8.2-21.3) ng/mL] and normotensive pregnant women [12.5 +/- 7.9 (95% CI, 9.7-15.2) ng/mL]. In conclusion, serum leptin levels were similar in the patients with different grades of preeclampsia and normotensive pregnant women.