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Massive ascites in severe pre-eclampsia: a rare complication.

Anita Matai Vaijyanath¹, Bonilla Nayar, Neena Malhotra

¹Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. amvaijyanath@yahoo.com

The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research

|November 28, 2002

Summary

Severe pre-eclampsia can cause massive maternal ascites, a rare complication. This condition, marked by high blood pressure and fluid buildup, led to respiratory distress and required immediate pregnancy termination in three patients.

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Area of Science:

Obstetrics and Gynecology
Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Critical Care in Pregnancy

Background:

Severe pre-eclampsia is a serious hypertensive disorder of pregnancy.
Maternal ascites is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening complication.
Early identification and management are crucial for maternal and fetal outcomes.

Observation:

Three rare cases of massive maternal ascites were observed in women with severe pre-eclampsia.
Ascites developed alongside significantly elevated blood pressure (≥160/110 mmHg), proteinuria, and hyperuricemia.
All patients experienced respiratory compromise due to the abdominal fluid accumulation.

Findings:

Massive maternal ascites is a rare but critical complication of severe pre-eclampsia.

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The presence of ascites significantly increases maternal morbidity, particularly respiratory compromise.

Prompt intervention, including pregnancy termination, may be necessary to manage this severe complication.

Implications:

This case series highlights the importance of recognizing massive maternal ascites as a severe complication of pre-eclampsia.
Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for ascites in patients with worsening pre-eclampsia symptoms.
Timely intervention is critical to mitigate life-threatening respiratory compromise and improve maternal outcomes in such cases.