Pregnancy Outcomes amongst Normotensive and Severe Preeclampsia with or without Underlying Chronic Hypertension Pregnancy

Abstract

Objective:  To compare maternal and neonatal outcomes in singleton pregnant women with severe preeclampsia with or without underlying chronic hypertension, and singleton pregnant women with normal blood pressure.

Materials and Methods:   In a retrospective study, 200 pregnant women with severe preeclampsia, with or without underlying chronic hypertension, were compared to 200 pregnant women with normal blood pressure between January 1^st, 2011 and December 31^st, 2012. The demographic characteristics, mode of delivery, complications and outcomes of pregnancy were analyzed.

Results: Maternal outcomes for the 200 women with severe preeclampsia compared to women with normal blood pressure demonstrated significantly increased rates of acute renal failure (4.0% VS 0%, p<0.001), pulmonary edema (2.0% VS 0%, p=0.044), neurologic complications (5.0% VS 0%, p<0.001), and cesarean section (57.5% VS 41.5%, p=0.023). Likewise, there was a significant increase in Neonatal outcomes, including preterm birth (45.0% VS 17%, p=0.011), low birth weight (47.0% VS 14%, p<0.001), rate of neonatal resuscitation (19.0% VS 10%, p=0.011), and stillbirth (3.5% VS 1%, p=0.092). 

Conclusion: Maternal outcomes including acute renal failure, pulmonary edema, neurological complications and cesarean section rates were significantly worse in the study group. Neonatal outcomes consist with rate of preterm birth, low birth weight, neonatal resuscitation and stillbirth were also worse in the study group.