Serum C-reactive protein concentration in preeclamptic women: Effect on pregnancy outcome

Abstract

Background: Preeclampsia is a multisystem disorder of unknown etiology characterized by development of hyperten­sion to the extent of 140/90 mm of Hg or more with proteinuria after the 20th gestational week in a previously normoten­sive and non protein uric women. According to the National High blood presure Working group (NHBPEP) and Ameri­can college of obstetricans and Gynecologiests (ACOG) hypertension in pregnancy is defined as a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher after 20 weeks of gestation in a woman with previously normal blood pressure (NHBPEP, 2000; ACOG, 2002). If the disease is allowed to progress to the HELLP syndrome or eclampsia, maternal morbidity and mortality increases. The majority of perinatal losses are related to placental insufficiency, which causes intrauterine growth retardation, prematurity associated with preterm delivery, or abruptio placentae.

Objectives: This study tried to explore the effect of serum C reactive protein concentration in preeclamptic women and its effect on pregnancy outcome.

Methods: This case control study included 60 third trimester pregnant women (30 normotensive and 30 preeclamptic) who attended Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BIRDEM and DMCH, during July 2009 and June 2010. Estimation of serum C reactive protein (CRP) concentrations was done by liquid phase immunoprecipitation assay and turbulometry at DMC.

Results: Mean (±SD) age showed no significant difference between groups; however, BMI, SBP, DBP and CRP were significantly (P<0.001) high in case group. Gravidity and ANC showed no significant variation between groups. CRP concentration was significantly high case group. Gestational age was significantly low in case group resulting in higher preterm delivery. No significant variation was observed regarding fetal outcome; however, birth weight was significantly low and neonatal complication was also significantly high in case group.

Conclusion: CRP concentration was high in preeclamptics resulting in adverse pregnancy outcome.