Association between Bell's palsy in pregnancy and pre-eclampsia

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Neurology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Previous case series suggest a link between Bell's palsy during pregnancy and hypertensive disorders.
• Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including pre-eclampsia and gestational hypertension, pose significant risks to maternal and fetal health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the timing of Bell's palsy onset during pregnancy.
• To assess the associated risks of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes, specifically hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Main Methods:

• A case series study involving consecutive female patients.
• Hospital record review across five Canadian centers over 11 years identified women with Bell's palsy during pregnancy or puerperium.
• Data abstracted included medical/obstetrical history, Bell's palsy onset timing, and maternal/perinatal complications; rates were compared to provincial/national averages.

Main Results:

• Forty-one patients were identified, with mean Bell's palsy onset at 35.4 weeks gestation.
• A combined 29.3% of patients developed pre-eclampsia or gestational hypertension, a nearly five-fold increase over expected rates.
• Observed rates of Caesarean delivery (43.6%), preterm delivery (25.6%), and low infant birth weight (22.7%) were also elevated.

Conclusions:

• Bell's palsy onset during pregnancy or puerperium is likely associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
• Pregnant women diagnosed with Bell's palsy warrant close monitoring for hypertension and pre-eclampsia.
• Prompt management of hypertensive complications is crucial for improved maternal and perinatal outcomes.