Maternal complications associated with severe preeclampsia.

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Hypertension disorders in pregnancy, including severe preeclampsia, eclampsia, and HELLP syndrome, are linked to increased maternal and fetal mortality and severe morbidity.
• Understanding maternal outcomes in severe preeclampsia is crucial for improving obstetric care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the maternal outcomes among pregnant women diagnosed with severe preeclampsia.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted on 349 pregnant women with severe preeclampsia.
• Data were collected from medical records at Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (2007-2009).
• Statistical analyses included Chi-square and independent sample t tests, examining demographic, clinical, and laboratory findings, delivery route, and maternal complications.

Main Results:

• Among 349 cases, 6.3% experienced eclamptic seizures, primarily in women aged 18-35 years and at gestational ages of 28-37 weeks.
• HELLP syndrome occurred in 0.3% of cases, and placental abruption in 7.7%.
• Cesarean delivery was performed in 65.6% of cases. Coagulopathy was the most frequent maternal complication (10.6%).

Conclusions:

• Severe preeclampsia and eclampsia are associated with substantial maternal severe morbidity.
• These hypertensive disorders remain primary contributors to maternal morbidity in Iran.