Impact of preeclampsia on maternal and neonatal health: A retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Objective - Understanding the relationship between maternal characteristics of patients with preeclampsia (PE) and disease progression, as well as the impact on neonatal and parturient outcomes, is critical to the development of effective interventions to improve maternal and fetal outcomes in preeclamptic patients. Material and Methods - This retrospective study analyzed 94 patients with PE and focused on the relationship between maternal characteristics and laboratory findings, as well as on the impact on neonatal and parturient outcomes. Comprehensive laboratory and ultrasound examinations were performed, with primary outcomes classified into antenatal, perinatal and postpartum periods, and secondary outcomes focusing on neonatal health. Results - Patients with PE requiring maternal intensive care unit (ICU) admission had higher median serum creatinine, AST, and ALT levels vs. non-ICU patients. Patients who required postpartum medications to control blood pressure had elevated median values of urea concentration, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure at diagnosis. A notable difference in ALT values was observed when primary cesarean section was indicated (p=0.036). Subgroup analysis revealed higher median birth weight in the Proteinuria 1+ subgroup vs. the Proteinuria 4+ subgroup (p=0.002). Patients with negative proteinuria levels demonstrated less need for neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) compared with higher proteinuria levels. In addition, a higher need for postpartum medical therapy was noted in patients of Proteinuria 4+ subgroup (74.2%). Conclusion - This study emphasizes the important role of laboratory data and blood pressure monitoring, advocating targeted interventions and clinical approaches to improve maternal postpartum outcomes (need for ICU). It also highlights the utility of urine dipstick testing for effective decision-making in the care of mothers and newborns in the postpartum period.