Maternal and fetal outcome in de novo preeclampsia in comparison to superimposed preeclampsia: a two-year observational study.

AIM: To assess the maternal and fetal outcome in women with de novo preeclampsia (PE) in comparison to superimposed PE.

STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective 2-year observational study carried out at Menoufia University Hospital, Egypt, in which 164 patients out of 6472 pregnant women were diagnosed with PE (78 with de novo PE and 86 with superimposed PE). Enrolled patients were followed to assess the maternal and fetal outcome.

RESULTS: There was a significant higher women with liver impairment and delivery by caesarean section in the de novo PE group (p < 0.05), with more women with renal impairment and ECG changes in the superimposed PE group (p < 0.05). No significant difference between the two groups regarding the occurrence of eclampsia, blood transfusion, admission to ICU and venous thromboembolism (p > 0.05). There was a significantly higher small for gestational age, prematurity, NICU admission and perinatal mortality in the superimposed PE group (p < 0.05). No significant difference between the two groups regarding the occurrence of placental abruption and intrauterine fetal demise (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Women with de novo PE have higher risks of liver impairment and delivery by cesarean section. On the other hand, women with superimposed PE have higher risks of poorer fetal outcome.