A Systematic Review of Complications Following Pre-eclampsia

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Cardiovascular Health
• Systematic Review Methodology

Background:

• Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and potential organ damage.
• While immediate risks are known, long-term complications of pre-eclampsia require further investigation.
• Incidence and specific diagnostic criteria for pre-eclampsia vary across studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the existing literature on long-term complications following pre-eclampsia.
• To identify the most significant long-term health risks associated with pre-eclampsia.
• To inform the development of targeted health promotion interventions for affected women.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review guided by PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) standards.
• Comprehensive literature search across multiple databases including PubMed, CINAHL, Medline, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar.
• Inclusion of articles published within the last five years using keywords related to pre-eclampsia and its long-term complications.

Main Results:

• Initial search yielded 258 articles; 91 were selected for further review.
• Nineteen articles were ultimately included, focusing on complications experienced by women post-pre-eclampsia.
• Cardiovascular disease was identified as a primary long-term risk.

Conclusions:

• Cardiovascular disease represents a major long-term sequela of pre-eclampsia.
• Early-onset pre-eclampsia is associated with a higher risk of long-term complications.
• There is a critical need for health promotion strategies and further research to prevent long-term adverse outcomes.