Subsequent pregnancy outcome after mid-trimester termination of pregnancy for preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: In this study we determined the outcome of subsequent pregnancies after termination of pregnancy for preeclampsia, with the purpose of presenting data useful for counselling these women on future pregnancies.

STUDY DESIGN: The cohort consisted of 131 women with a history of termination of pregnancy for preeclampsia.

RESULTS: Data of 79 pregnancies were available for analysis, including 13 women with chronic hypertension and 16 women with thrombophilia. There were seven miscarriages (8.8%) and 72 ongoing pregnancies. Low-dose aspirin was prescribed for 64 women (89%). The mean gestational age at delivery was 356/7 ± 4 weeks with a mean birth weight of 2571 ± 938 g. Overall recurrence rate for preeclampsia was 29% at a mean gestational age of 32 weeks. Thirty-eight women had an uncomplicated pregnancy (53%). The women with chronic hypertension had the highest recurrence rate of 38%. Neonatal mortality was 4%.

CONCLUSION: The course of subsequent pregnancies after mid-trimester termination for preeclampsia is uncomplicated in 53% with a recurrence rate for preeclampsia of 29%. The mean gestational age at delivery was 11 weeks later and birth weight 2000 g higher than in the index pregnancy.