Association Between Maternal Obesity and Serum Ferritin Levels in Severe Preeclampsia: A Cross-Sectional Study
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Abstract
Background and aim of the work: Severe preeclampsia is a major contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality. Maternal obesity is associated with chronic inflammation and may influence serum ferritin levels. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between maternal obesity and serum ferritin levels in patients with severe preeclampsia.
Research design and Methods: This observational analytical study with a cross-sectional design included 88 patients with severe preeclampsia. Subjects were divided into obese (n=44) and non-obese (n=44) groups. Serum ferritin levels were measured using the CMIA method. Statistical analysis included Mann–Whitney, Kruskal–Wallis, and Spearman correlation tests.
Results: Serum ferritin levels were significantly higher in obese patients compared to non-obese patients (median 89.25 ng/mL vs 7.65 ng/mL; P = 0.001). A dose-response relationship was observed across obesity classes (P = 0.001). No significant correlation was found between ferritin levels and systolic blood pressure (r = -0.01; P = 0.927), diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.094; P = 0.386), or proteinuria (r = -0.029; P = 0.787).
Conclusions: Maternal obesity is significantly associated with increased serum ferritin levels in severe preeclampsia, reflecting chronic inflammation rather than clinical severity.