Background: Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH) is characterised by elevated systolic and diastolic BP associated with proteinuria. Endothelial dysfunction and inadequate placentation are considered as major contributors. Free radical induced endothelial injury and dysfunction may trigger the pathophysiological events.

Materials and Methods: Fifty (50) preeclampsia mothers (case) and 50 age matched normotensive, non–proteinuric mothers were taken as control group. Maternal serum LDL concentrations and the susceptibility of LDL particles to oxidation were seen.

Results : Preeclampsia mothers were having higher serum LDL concentrations (132.03±11.52 mg/dL) compared to the control group (120.22±8.57 mg/dL). The case group had higher (p<0.001) susceptibility of LDL particles to oxidation (0.662±0.112 pmol of MDA/ µg of protein/hr) compared to the control group (0.273±0.026 pmol of MDA/ µg of protein/hr).

Conclusion: Significant increase of maternal serum LDL concentration in preeclampsia patients. LDL particles are more susceptible to oxidative damage in preeclampsia patients.