Association between proteinuria and placental pathology in preeclampsia: A retrospective study

Preeclampsia develops due to placental insufficiency and systemic proinflammatory and antiangiogenic mediator release, with ensuing systemic endothelial dysfunction. Nephrotic-range proteinuria appears to be associated with worse pregnancy outcomes. The relationship between differing degrees of proteinuria and the severity of placental alterations has not been studied.

This is a single-centre retrospective comparison of 150 singleton pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia and varying degrees of proteinuria. Maternal demographic, obstetrical and fetal outcome data were obtained from chart review. The placental histologic evaluations were performed by a placental pathologist blinded to all other clinical information.

Preeclamptic women with massive proteinuria had evidence of more severe maternal vascular malperfusion lesions. The severity of the lesions was progressive through mild, moderate and massive proteinuria. Women with massive proteinuria had a higher incidence of renal dysfunction and severe hypertension, and had earlier preterm deliveries compared to preeclamptic women with mild and moderate proteinuria (p < 0.05).

Preeclampsia with more severe proteinuria is associated with a higher prevalence of placental maternal vascular malperfusion.