Are perinatal and maternal outcomes different during expectant management of severe preeclampsia in the presence of intrauterine growth restriction?

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare perinatal and maternal outcomes in women with singleton pregnancies and severe preeclampsia (SPE) expectantly managed at 24-33 weeks' gestation (wk) that resulted at birth in severe intrauterine growth restriction (SIUGR, < 5th percentile) to those without SIUGR.

STUDY DESIGN

Two hundred thirty-nine women undelivered after antenatal steroids were expectantly managed. Perinatal and maternal outcomes were analyzed according to fetal growth status. Students t-test, chi-square test, logistic regression analysis, and odds ratio were calculated.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight pregnancies resulted in an SIUGR neonate. Median latency periods (5 vs 5 d) and delivery gestational ages (30.6 vs 30.3 wk) were similar in the 2 groups. Controlling for gestational age at delivery, only fetal death remained associated with SIUGR (OR: 6.4; 95% CI 1.05-39.35, P = .04). Maternal outcomes were similar in the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

In severe preeclamptic women at 24-33 weeks, SIUGR is associated with increased risk of fetal death but does not affect maternal complications.