A core outcome set for pre-eclampsia research: an international consensus development study.

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Perinatology
• Clinical Trial Methodology

Background:

• Pre-eclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and infant mortality worldwide.
• Existing research on pre-eclampsia often lacks standardized outcome measures, hindering comparability and synthesis.
• A consensus-driven core outcome set is crucial for improving the quality and relevance of pre-eclampsia research.

Framework:

• A modified Delphi method and Nominal Group Technique were employed for consensus development.
• International participation included 281 healthcare professionals, 41 researchers, and 110 patients from 56 countries.
• A comprehensive list of 116 potential outcomes was refined to a final set of 22 core outcomes.

Implementation:

• The developed core outcome set comprises 14 maternal and 8 offspring outcomes.
• Maternal outcomes include death, eclampsia, stroke, and postpartum hemorrhage.
• Offspring outcomes encompass stillbirth, neonatal mortality, and gestational age at delivery.

Implications:

• The core outcome set will standardize outcome reporting in future pre-eclampsia randomized trials and systematic reviews.
• Implementation will enhance the reach and relevance of research findings for clinical practice.
• This initiative aims to improve the care and outcomes for pregnant women and their newborns affected by pre-eclampsia.