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Does preeclamptic pregnancy increase fetal-maternal hemorrhage?
1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
American Journal of Perinatology
|May 1, 1995
Summary
Fetal-maternal hemorrhage is not increased in preeclampsia. Studies found no significant differences in alpha-fetoprotein levels or fetal cells between preeclamptic and healthy pregnancies.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Perinatal Medicine
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Preeclampsia is associated with placental pathology.
- The link between fetal-maternal hemorrhage and preeclampsia requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between fetal-maternal hemorrhage and preeclampsia.
- To compare markers of fetal-maternal hemorrhage in preeclamptic versus normotensive pregnancies.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-two third-trimester pregnant women were studied.
- Thirty-one preeclamptic women were matched with 31 healthy controls.
- Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) and Kleihauer-Betke (KB) test were used to assess fetal-maternal hemorrhage.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in MSAFP levels between groups.
- The MSAFP to creatinine ratio did not differ significantly between preeclamptic and control pregnancies.
- The Kleihauer-Betke test showed no increased presence of fetal cells in preeclamptic pregnancies.
Conclusions:
- Fetal-maternal hemorrhage is not significantly increased in preeclampsia.
- Current evidence does not support a direct relationship between fetal-maternal hemorrhage and preeclampsia.