Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in non-diabetic, pregnant Angolan women according to four diagnostic criteria and its effects on adverse perinatal outcomes

BACKGROUND Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors for type 2 diabetes (Type2 DM) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and its prevalence varies based on region, population, and sex. Newborns of women with MetS have a greater risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. This study explores the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in non-diabetic, pregnant Angolan women and the adverse perinatal outcomes associated with it. METHODS This cross-sectional study collected the demographic, anthropometric and clinical data of 675 pregnant women in the maternity ward of General Hospital in Huambo, Angola. Metabolic syndrome was defined using four criteria: the third report of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel (ATPIII), the Joint Interim Statement (JIS), and definitions by both Bartha et al. and Chatzi et al. RESULTS The crude prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 36.6 % based on the JIS definition, 29.2 % based on NCEP ATPIII, 12.6 % based on Chatzi et al. and 1.8 % based on Bartha et al. In general, the prevalence of adverse perinatal outcomes was 14.1 %. CONCLUSIONS There was a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome, depending on the criteria used, and thus a great need to harmonize the criteria and cutoff points. Perinatal adverse outcomes were higher in pregnant women with metabolic syndrome.