Evaluation of Hypertension and Renal Function in Preeclamptic Women: A Follow-Up Study at 6th Week of Postpartum

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Chronic hypertension stands as the primary contributing factor for cardiovascular ailments among women who have experienced preeclampsia. The purpose of this research is to examine how often preeclamptic symptoms persist at the postpartum 6th week.

STUDY DESIGN: The study included 50 singleton pregnant women in the third trimester who were diagnosed with preeclampsia according to ACOG criteria, were older than 18 years, had no known hypertension before the 20th gestational week, had no additional systemic disease, did not use medication, had no fetal chromosomal or structural abnormalities and delivered within 24-48 hours of hospitalization.

RESULTS: The mean age of preeclamptic pregnant patients was 29.26±7.15 years, the mean gestational week was 35.6±2.8, and the mean BMI was 31.3±4.9. Twenty (40%) of 50 preeclamptic patients had severe preeclampsia. The mean decrease in systolic blood pressure was 34.6±15.2 mmHg, while the mean decrease in diastolic blood pressure was 22.88±11.68 mmHg (p<0.001). The decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure at postpartum 6th week was statistically significant. The mean change in 24-hour urine protein value at postpartum 6th week was 2313.52 ± 2696.48 and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). There were 14 patients (28%) with persistent hypertension and 19 patients (38%) with persistent proteinuria.

CONCLUSIONS: Although preeclampsia is considered a complication of pregnancy, persistent hypertension, and proteinuria after delivery show us that preeclampsia is a disease that threatens maternal health even after delivery. These women should be followed up long-term period.