COMPARISON OF MATERNAL SERUM-LIPIDS BEFORE AND DURING PARTURITION

Objective: To investigate peripartam progesterone metabolism by measur ing its lipid precursors. Methods: Serum was collected from eight preg nant women not in labor during the third trimester and again during ac tive labor. Samples were analyzed using quantitative spectrophotometri c absorbance techniques for apolipoprotein A-1, high-density lipoprote in cholesterol (HDL), and total cholesterol. Results: Remote from labo r, the mean gestational age antepartum was 35.6 weeks; during active l abor it was 39.2 weeks. The amount of apolipoprotein A-1 present was 1 82.0 mg/dL before labor and 156.8 mg/dL during active labor, HDL chole sterol was 59.3 mg/dL before labor and 37.5 mg/dL during active labor, and total cholesterol was 226.6 mg/dL before labor and 144.1 mg/dL du ring active labor. All differences were significant at P < .05. Conclu sion: Maternal serum lipids associated with progesterone metabolism ap pear to decrease in the peripartum period. Progesterone metabolism and parturition may be correlated with these lipid changes, thus identify ing patients about to enter labor.