The Relationship Between Intraabdominal Hypertension and Preeclampsia

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to measure abdominal pressure and placental levels of malondialdehyde in patients with preeclampsia and investigate the relationship between intraabdominal pressure and clinical features of preeclampsia.
STUDY DESIGN: Study was conducted at a tertiary referral clinic. Study group consisted of patients with preeclampsia and control group consisted of normotensive pregnant women. Both placental malondialdehyde and intraabdominal pressure levels were studied in all patients. Intraabdominal pressure was assessed indirectly via a Foley bladder catheter both antepartum and postpartum period. Statistical comparisons among groups were made using the Mann-Whitney U test, independent T test and Chi-square test. Statistical significance was set as p<0.05.
RESULTS: Study and control group consisted of 35 pregnant patients. The mean patients’ age, gravidity, parity, weight and BMI were not different between study and control groups. In the study group, Caesarean, preterm delivery and abdominal hypertension rate were significantly higher whereas the mean neonatal birth weight was lower. The mean antepartum and postpartum intraabdominal pressure levels were significantly higher in study group. The mean intraabdominal pressure was highest in patients with oliguria (19.8±1.8 cmH2O). Abdominal hypertension was detected in 30 (86%) patients in study group and in 3 (9%) patients in control group. The mean placental malondialdehyde level was significantly higher in patients with intraabdominal hypertension.
CONCLUSION: Abdominal hypertension rate is very high in patients with preeclampsia. Abdominal hypertension may have an additional role in preeclampsia.