Metabolic Syndrome in High-Risk Pregnancy

Dear Colleagues,

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines metabolic syndrome (MtS) as a pathologic condition characterized by abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension and dyslipidemia. Western lifestyles with high-caloric diets and low physical activity have contributed to the globalization of this problem, particularly in urban areas. An increasing number of women of childbearing age now face serious health complications associated with MtS. These include infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, preterm deliveries, cervical incompetence, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus and thromboembolic diseases to list some of the more common problems. These high-risk conditions also predispose the fetus to congenital malformations, fetal mortality, intrauterine growth restriction, macrosomia, birth trauma, metabolic disturbances and childhood obesities that often have long-term physical, psychological and financial consequences.
Pregnancy physiology differs from that of the non-pregnant state due to the exaggerated cardiovascular load, modified hormone profile and complicated interplay with the fetus. The diagnostic criteria for MtS in pregnancy is likely to be different to that of the general population and is a separate topic requiring close investigation. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for the adverse obstetric or neonatal outcomes caused by maternal metabolic disarray are largely undetermined. Furthermore, pregnant women are often motivated to alter their lifestyle for the sake of their babies. This provides an important window of opportunity to enhance women’s health in general and hence requires serious consideration. Research efforts should be aimed at elucidating the many unsolved questions in order to improve maternal fetal care in the modern era.
Research Topic Focuses
1. Basic (in vitro and/or in vivo) or clinical studies that examine the association between maternal MtS and adverse pregnancy outcomes, together with the underlying mechanisms
2. Dietary factors, lifestyle modifications and pharmacologic therapies that show clinical significance for pregnancy outcomes Submission of Original Research, Reviews, and Mini Reviews on the subtopics below is welcomed:

• Novel explanations for adverse pregnancy outcomes that are caused by or associated with maternal MtS 
• Innovative management suggestions for maternal MtS aimed at improving obstetric and neonatal outcomes

Prof. Dr. Te-Fu Chan

Guest Editor

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