Resolution of Hypertension and Proteinuria After Preeclampsia

Blood pressure control, hypertension phenotypes, and albuminuria: outcomes of the comprehensive Basel Postpartum Hypertension Registry

Postpartum hypertension (PPHT) affects 20% of pregnancies and is strongly correlated to cardiovascular and kidney disease. Most outcome data stems from preeclampsia (PE) neglecting other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). This analysis aimed to investigate blood pressure (BP) control, BP phenotypes, therapeutic intensity scores (TIS), and albuminuria across the spectrum of PPHT in the short-medium term.This analysis prospectively followed 370 cases of PPHT. Automated office BP measurements (AOBPM), 24-hour ambulatory BP measurements (24ABPM), TIS and Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) > A2 levels of albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) were measured at 3 (V3) and 12 (V12) months postpartum. Outcomes were percentage of participants with non-hypertensive AOBPM and awake 24ABPM, whitecoat, and masked hypertension, and an A2 ACR at V3 and V12. The Basel-PPHT cohort consisted of 11.9% (n = 44) chronic hypertension, 31.9% (n = 118) gestational hypertension, 55.4% (n = 205) PE, eclampsia or HELLP, and 18.4% (n = 68) de novo PPHT. Antihypertensive medication was prescribed at baseline, V3 and V12 in 85.4% (n = 316), 19.2% (n = 46), and 20% (n = 21). At V12, 9.3% (n = 5) with PE, eclampsia, and HELLP vs 31.4% (n = 16) of the remaining cohort required antihypertensive medication, p = 0.005. Non-hypertensive BP without medication was seen at V3 and V12 in 47.9% (n = 103) and 62.4% (n = 63), respectively. Albuminuria at baseline, V3 and V12 was 84.9% (n = 124), 29.9% (n = 63), and 16.9% (n = 14) respectively. The Basel-PPHT registry identified undertreatment and persistent albuminuria, despite structured management. Importantly, those without preeclampsia also required stricter controls. Therefore, rigorous follow-ups are crucial for enhancing cardiovascular and renal outcomes in this population.

Preeclampsia beyond pregnancy: investigating the long-term increase in cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome (PERLA- Brazil study)

Brazilian Cohort Study of Preeclampsia: latent risks after pregnancy (PERLA-Brazil) are a retrospective cohort study including women with and without preeclampsia history, 6-15 years after pregnancy, aiming to evaluate lipid profile, clinical parameters and the frequency of metabolic syndrome. A total of 188 women from Belo Horizonte (Brazil), who became pregnant between 2008 and 2017, were included: 86 with PE history and 102 with normotensive pregnancy. The participants underwent an interview and had blood samples collected between 2022 and 2023. The following data were collected, using standard equipment and techniques: blood pressure, body weight, height, body fat percentage, waist and hip circumference and lipid profile. For variable comparisons, T-test, Mann-Whitney, and chi-square test were used. A linear regression model assessed the isolated effect of a positive history of PE on cardiovascular risk indicators. PE group had higher body mass index compared to normotensive pregnancy, as well as fat percentage, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood and low-density lipoprotein. Finally, a higher frequency of metabolic syndrome was detected in PE history group. These results suggested that women who had PE showed a combination of cardiovascular risk markers and increased frequency of metabolic syndrome. To mitigate the risk of subsequent chronic diseases, lifestyle modifications are recommended, along with more frequent follow-ups with a health-care team.

Do all women after hypertensive diseases of pregnancy have the same long-term risk of cardiovascular disease in later life?

During pregnancy, most maternal organ systems increase in function or size. This is indeed also the case for cardiovascular function and maternal hemodynamics. Most systems show enormous changes that put a serious strain on these systems. Gestational complications develop when an organ system is unable to meet the increased physiological demands of pregnancy. Pregnancy can be considered as the ultimate stress test for these organ systems. Preeclampsia and gestational hypertension may be considered as a derangement of the hemodynamic and cardiovascular system during pregnancy. During later life the hemodynamic and cardiovascular system again derails when aging has its toll. Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are greatly increased after pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. These complications must be acknowledged by health care providers as a risk factor for later cardiovascular disease. All women after HDP should be followed scrutinous at least during the first 5-10 years after their deliveries. The focus of the follow-up should be on the development of hypertension. Women with an increased risk are those with early-onset preeclampsia, recurrent preeclampsia and preeclampsia in the last pregnancy. Uncomplicated pregnancies after pregnancies complicated by HDP improve the prognosis substantially. Multiplet pregnancies with HDP tend to have lower risks for CVD in later life than singleton pregnancies with HDP.

Hypertension Management in Pregnancy

Chronic hypertension and preeclampsia spectrum disorders in pregnancy are important contributors to long-term maternal morbidity and mortality. Due to physiologic changes during pregnancy and the postpartum period, blood pressure expectations differ between primary care providers and obstetricians. The goal of this article is to describe the pathophysiology and definitions of hypertension in the obstetric context and review current evidence for management during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Longitudinal follow-up with a primary care provider after delivery is crucial for long-term cardiovascular risk reduction in hypertensive patients.

Preeclampsia: A comprehensive review

Preeclampsia (PE) is a life-threatening disease of pregnancy and a prominent cause of neonatal and maternal mortality and morbidity. PE affects approximately 5-10% of pregnancies worldwide, posing significant risks to perinatal and maternal health. It is characterized by a variety of interconnected pathological cascades contributing to the stimulation of intravascular inflammation, oxidative stress (OS), endothelial cell activation, and syncytiotrophoblast stress that converge on a common pathway, ultimately resulting in disease progression. The present study was designed and executed to review the existing scientific literature, specifically focusing on the etiology (gestational diabetes mellitus and maternal obesity, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, maternal infection, periodontal disease, altered microbiome, and genetics), clinical presentations (hypertension, blood disorders, proteinuria, hepatic dysfunction, renal dysfunction, pulmonary edema, cardiac dysfunction, fetal growth restrictions, and eclampsia), therapeutic clinical biomarkers (creatinine, albuminuria, and cystatin C) along with their associations and mechanisms in PE. In addition, this study provides insights into the potential of nanomedicines for targeting these mechanisms for PE management and treatment. Inflammation, OS, proteinuria, and an altered microbiome are prominent biomarkers associated with progression and PE-related pathogenesis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms, exploring suitable markers, targeted interventions, comprehensive screening, and holistic strategies are critical to decreasing the incidence of PE and promoting maternal-fetal well-being. The present study comprehensively reviewed the etiology, clinical presentations, therapeutic biomarkers, and preventive potential of nanomedicines in the treatment and management of PE.

Persistent hypertension among postpartum women with comorbid HIV and preeclampsia in Zambia

BACKGROUND

Persistent hypertension is common after preeclampsia and is causally tied to later cardiovascular risks. This study examined whether being HIV-infected and on antiretroviral therapy (ART) is associated with persistent postpartum hypertension among women diagnosed with preeclampsia.

METHODS

We conducted a six-month prospective cohort study at Kanyama and Women and Newborn hospitals from January 01, 2022, to June 30, 2023, among 190 women diagnosed with preeclampsia (59 HIV-positive, 131 HIV-negative). Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were collected at delivery, six weeks, three months and six months after giving birth. Persistent hypertension was diagnosed if a participant presented with elevated blood pressure ≥140mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90mmHg and/or taking medication for hypertension at the study visit. We used a generalized estimating equation to describe the relationship between treated HIV and persistent hypertension six months following delivery.

RESULTS

We retained 136 participants (71.6%) to six months postpartum, at a median age of 30 years. Overall, persistent hypertension at six weeks, three months, and six months postpartum was common (37.4%, 17.1% and 16.9%, respectively). Six-week postpartum prevalence was higher in the HIV group than HIV-negative group (54.6% vs 28.8%, p<0.001), with no measurable difference at three months (24.3% vs 13.2%, p = 0.145) or six months (18.2% vs 16.3%, p = 0.787). Multivariable analysis demonstrates higher odds (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.09-2.60) of persistent hypertension among the HIV+treatment group than HIV-negative counterparts after accounting for age, body mass index and time since delivery.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate an elevated risk of persistent hypertension among postpartum women with comorbid preeclampsia and treated HIV. Peripartum patients in HIV-endemic settings may benefit from timely detection of hypertension and treatment interventions to improve health outcomes.

Association between pregnancy-related complications and development of type 2 diabetes and hypertension in women: an umbrella review

BACKGROUND

Despite many systematic reviews and meta-analyses examining the associations of pregnancy complications with risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension, previous umbrella reviews have only examined a single pregnancy complication. Here we have synthesised evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the associations of a wide range of pregnancy-related complications with risk of developing T2DM and hypertension.

METHODS

Medline, Embase and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched from inception until 26 September 2022 for systematic reviews and meta-analysis examining the association between pregnancy complications and risk of T2DM and hypertension. Screening of articles, data extraction and quality appraisal (AMSTAR2) were conducted independently by two reviewers using Covidence software. Data were extracted for studies that examined the risk of T2DM and hypertension in pregnant women with the pregnancy complication compared to pregnant women without the pregnancy complication. Summary estimates of each review were presented using tables, forest plots and narrative synthesis and reported following Preferred Reporting Items for Overviews of Reviews (PRIOR) guidelines.

RESULTS

Ten systematic reviews were included. Two pregnancy complications were identified. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM): One review showed GDM was associated with a 10-fold higher risk of T2DM at least 1 year after pregnancy (relative risk (RR) 9.51 (95% confidence interval (CI) 7.14 to 12.67) and although the association differed by ethnicity (white: RR 16.28 (95% CI 15.01 to 17.66), non-white: RR 10.38 (95% CI 4.61 to 23.39), mixed: RR 8.31 (95% CI 5.44 to 12.69)), the between subgroups difference were not statistically significant at 5% significance level. Another review showed GDM was associated with higher mean blood pressure at least 3 months postpartum (mean difference in systolic blood pressure: 2.57 (95% CI 1.74 to 3.40) mmHg and mean difference in diastolic blood pressure: 1.89 (95% CI 1.32 to 2.46) mmHg). Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP): Three reviews showed women with a history of HDP were 3 to 6 times more likely to develop hypertension at least 6 weeks after pregnancy compared to women without HDP (meta-analysis with largest number of studies: odds ratio (OR) 4.33 (3.51 to 5.33)) and one review reported a higher rate of T2DM after HDP (hazard ratio (HR) 2.24 (1.95 to 2.58)) at least a year after pregnancy. One of the three reviews and five other reviews reported women with a history of preeclampsia were 3 to 7 times more likely to develop hypertension at least 6 weeks postpartum (meta-analysis with the largest number of studies: OR 3.90 (3.16 to 4.82) with one of these reviews reporting the association was greatest in women from Asia (Asia: OR 7.54 (95% CI 2.49 to 22.81), Europe: OR 2.19 (95% CI 0.30 to 16.02), North and South America: OR 3.32 (95% CI 1.26 to 8.74)).

CONCLUSIONS

GDM and HDP are associated with a greater risk of developing T2DM and hypertension. Common confounders adjusted for across the included studies in the reviews were maternal age, body mass index (BMI), socioeconomic status, smoking status, pre-pregnancy and current BMI, parity, family history of T2DM or cardiovascular disease, ethnicity, and time of delivery. Further research is needed to evaluate the value of embedding these pregnancy complications as part of assessment for future risk of T2DM and chronic hypertension.

Temporal patterns of pre- and post-natal target organ damage associated with hypertensive pregnancy: a systematic review

AIMS

Hypertensive pregnancy is associated with increased risks of developing a range of vascular disorders in later life. Understanding when hypertensive target organ damage first emerges could guide optimal timing of preventive interventions. This review identifies evidence of hypertensive target organ damage across cardiac, vascular, cerebral, and renal systems at different time points from pregnancy to postpartum.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Systematic review of Ovid/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov up to and including February 2023 including review of reference lists. Identified articles underwent evaluation via a synthesis without meta-analysis using a vote-counting approach based on direction of effect, regardless of statistical significance. Risk of bias was assessed for each outcome domain, and only higher quality studies were used for final analysis. From 7644 articles, 76 studies, including data from 1 742 698 pregnancies, were identified of high quality that reported either blood pressure trajectories or target organ damage during or after a hypertensive pregnancy. Left ventricular hypertrophy, white matter lesions, proteinuria, and retinal microvasculature changes were first evident in women during a hypertensive pregnancy. Cardiac, cerebral, and retinal changes were also reported in studies performed during the early and late post-partum period despite reduction in blood pressure early postpartum. Cognitive dysfunction was first reported late postpartum.

CONCLUSION

The majority of target organ damage reported during a hypertensive pregnancy remains evident throughout the early and late post-partum period despite variation in blood pressure. Early peri-partum strategies may be required to prevent or reverse target organ damage in women who have had a hypertensive pregnancy.

The Risk of Persistent Hypertension and Chronic Kidney Disease in Early- and Late-Onset Preeclampsia: A Report From Developing Country

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Preeclampsia (PE) has been disproportionately prevalent in developing countries and constitutes a leading cause of maternal mortality, and also has long-term impacts, including renal consequences. This study aimed to explore the risk of persistent hypertension and kidney failure in early-onset PE (EOP) and late-onset PE (LOP) in the five years after delivery.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included women with a prior history of severe PE or normotensive pregnancy admitted to tertiary hospitals in Indonesia. The blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), urea, creatinine serum, and protein urine were analyzed, and the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) after five years was performed using the Kidney Disease Improvement Global Outcomes (KDIGO) classification.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven EOP, 35 LOP, and 30 normotensive cases were included. Mean blood pressure after five years was recorded as 115.6 ± 14.25 mmHg in the normotensive group, 131.82 ± 19.34 mmHg in the LOP group, and 154.96 ± 23.48 mmHg in the EOP group. According to the KDIGO classification, the normotensive group had an average 10% risk of CKD, but severe PE had a risk of CKD greater than 90%. In the severe PE group, the risk of CKD was 20.94 times higher compared to normotensive women (OR 20.94; 95% CI 2.67-163.72, p = 0.004). The risk of CKD in the EOP group was 6.75 times higher than in the LOP group (OR 6.75; 95% CI 2.19-20.76, p = 0.001), whereas persistent hypertension in the EOP group was 5.78 times higher than in the LOP group (OR 5.78; 95% CI 1.91-17.395, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

PE women have a higher risk of CKD than normotensive women. Women with a history of EOP are more likely to develop persistent hypertension and CKD than women with a prior LOP history.

Preeclampsia and Long-term Kidney Outcomes: An Observational Cohort Study

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related complication characterized by acute hypertension and end-organ dysfunction. We evaluated the long-term association between preeclampsia and the risk of developing chronic hypertension and kidney disease.

STUDY DESIGN

Observational cohort study.

SETTING & PARTICIPANTS

27,800 adults with deliveries in the Geisinger Health System between 1996 and 2019.

EXPOSURE

Preeclampsia.

OUTCOME

Hypertension, reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)<60mL/min/1.73m2), and albuminuria>300mg/g.

ANALYTICAL APPROACH

Propensity-score matching and Cox proportional hazards models to evaluate the association between preeclampsia and incident hypertension, reduced eGFR, and albuminuria.

RESULTS

Of 27,800 adults with pregnancies during the study period (mean age, 28 years; 3% Black race), 2,977 (10.7%) had at least 1 pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia. After matching for multiple characteristics, individuals with preeclampsia had a higher risk of developing chronic hypertension (HR, 1.77 [95% CI, 1.45-2.16]), eGFR<60mL/min/1.73m2 (HR, 3.23 [95% CI, 1.64-6.36]), albuminuria (HR, 3.60 [95% CI, 2.38-5.44]), and a subsequent episode of preeclampsia (HR, 24.76 [95% CI, 12.47-48.36]), compared with matched controls without preeclampsia. Overall, postpartum follow-up testing was low. In the first 6 months after delivery, 31% versus 14% of individuals with and without preeclampsia had serum creatinine tests, respectively, and testing for urine protein was the same in both groups, with only 26% having follow-up testing.

LIMITATIONS

Primarily White study population, observational study, reliance on ICD codes for medical diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with a pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia had a higher risk of hypertension, reduced eGFR, and albuminuria compared with individuals without preeclampsia.

PLAIN-LANGUAGE SUMMARY

Preeclampsia is a significant contributor to perinatal and maternal morbidity and is marked by new-onset hypertension and end-organ damage, including acute kidney injury or proteinuria. To gain insight into the long-term kidney effects of the disease, we compared adults with deliveries complicated by preeclampsia with those without preeclampsia in the Geisinger Health System, while also assessing postpartum testing rates. Our results demonstrate that pregnant individuals with preeclampsia are at a heightened risk for future hypertension, reduced eGFR, and albuminuria, with overall low rates of postpartum testing among both individuals with and without preeclampsia. These findings underscore the need to consider preeclampsia as an important risk factor for the development of chronic kidney disease. Further studies are required to determine optimal postpreeclampsia monitoring strategies.

Prediction model for hypertension in first decade after pre-eclampsia in initially normotensive women

OBJECTIVE

To develop a prediction model for the development of hypertension in the decade following pre-eclampsia in women who were normotensive shortly after pregnancy.

METHODS

This was a longitudinal cohort study of formerly pre-eclamptic women attending a university hospital in The Netherlands between 1996 and 2019. We developed a prediction model for incident hypertension using multivariable logistic regression analysis. The model was validated internally using bootstrapping techniques.

RESULTS

Of 259 women, 185 (71%) were normotensive at the first cardiovascular assessment, at a median of 10 (interquartile range (IQR), 6-24) months after a pre-eclamptic pregnancy, of whom 49 (26%) had developed hypertension by the second visit, at a median of 11 (IQR, 6-14) years postpartum. The prediction model, based on birth-weight centile, mean arterial pressure, total cholesterol, left ventricular mass index and left ventricular ejection fraction, had good-to-excellent discriminative ability, with an area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curve (AUC) of 0.82 (95% CI, 0.75-0.89) and an optimism-corrected AUC of 0.80. The sensitivity and specificity of our model to predict hypertension were 98% and 34%, respectively, and positive and negative predictive values were 35% and 98%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on five variables, we developed a good-to-excellent predictive tool to identify incident hypertension following pre-eclampsia in women who were normotensive shortly after pregnancy. After external validation, this model could have considerable clinical utility in tackling the cardiovascular legacy of pre-eclampsia. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Impact of body mass index on markers of vascular health in normotensive women with history of pre-eclampsia

OBJECTIVE

Obesity and pre-eclampsia (PE) are both associated with vascular dysfunction, which translates into an increased risk for cardiovascular disease in later life. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is an interaction between body mass index (BMI) and a history of PE in their effects on vascular health.

METHODS

This was an observational case-control study of 30 women with a history of PE who were compared with 31 age- and BMI-matched controls who had an uncomplicated pregnancy. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD), carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and carotid distensibility (CD) were measured 6-12 months postpartum. To evaluate the impact of physical fitness, maximum oxygen uptake capacity was assessed using a standardized maximum exhaustion cycling test using breath-by-breath analysis. To specify further BMI subgroups, metabolic syndrome constituents were assessed in all individuals.

RESULTS

Formerly pre-eclamptic women had significantly lower FMD (5.1 ± 2.1% vs 9.4 ± 3.4%; P < 0.01), higher cIMT (0.59 ± 0.09 vs 0.49 ± 0.07 µm; P < 0.01) and lower CD (1.54 ± 0.37%/10 mmHg vs 1.80 ± 0.39%/10 mmHg; P < 0.01) compared with controls. In our study, population BMI correlated negatively with FMD (P = 0.04) but not with cIMT or CD. BMI and PE did not exhibit an interaction effect on these vascular parameters. Physical fitness was lower in women with a history of PE and in women with higher BMI. Constituents of the metabolic syndrome, including insulin, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-ir), triglyceride, microalbuminuria and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, were significantly higher in formerly pre-eclamptic women. BMI affected glucose metabolism but not lipids or blood pressure. BMI and PE positively interacted in their effect on insulin (P = 0.04) and HOMA-ir (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Both BMI and a history of PE have negative effects on endothelial function, insulin resistance and physical fitness. In formerly pre-eclamptic women, the effect of BMI on insulin resistance was particularly high, suggesting a synergistic effect. Additionally, independently of BMI, a history of PE was associated with reduced FMD and CD and increased cIMT and blood pressure. Recognizing the cardiovascular risk profile is important for informing patients and encouraging targeted lifestyle modifications. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Chronic Hypertension in Pregnancy: A Lens Into Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Prevention

Hypertension is a major, modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the United States. Over the past decade, the prevalence of chronic hypertension (CHTN) during pregnancy has nearly doubled with persistent race- and place-based disparities. Blood pressure elevations are of particular concern during pregnancy given higher risk of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, as well as higher lifetime risk of CVD in birthing individuals with CHTN. When identified during pregnancy, CHTN can, therefore, serve as a lens into CVD risk, as well as a modifiable target to mitigate cardiovascular risk throughout the life course. Health services and public health interventions that equitably promote cardiovascular health during the peripartum period could have an important impact on preventing CHTN and reducing lifetime risk of CVD. This review will summarize the epidemiology and guidelines for the diagnosis and management of CHTN in pregnancy; describe the current evidence for associations between CHTN, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and CVD; and identify opportunities for peripartum care to equitably reduce hypertension and CVD risk throughout the life course.

Evidence of kidney injury in preeclampsia: Increased maternal and urinary levels of NGAL and KIM-1 and their enhanced expression in proximal tubule epithelial cells

Background and objective

Proteinuria and glomerular endotheliosis are characteristics of glomerular injury in preeclampsia, a hypertensive disorder in human pregnancy. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) are biomarkers of acute/chronic renal tubule injury. To determine if tubule injury occurs in preeclampsia, we determined maternal plasma and urine NGAL and KIM-1 levels and evaluated NGAL and KIM-1 expression in kidney biopsy specimens from women with preeclampsia.

Methods

Prenatal and postpartum maternal blood and urinary samples were collected from three groups of pregnant women: normal pregnancy (n = 100), preeclampsia (n = 83), and pregnancy complicated with chronic hypertension (n = 20). Plasma and urine levels of NGAL and KIM-1 were measured by ELISA. Kidney biopsy tissue sections from patients with preeclampsia (n = 5) were obtained from Pathology Archives and processed to determine NGAL and KIM-1 expression by immunostaining and high kidney solution images were assessed by electron microscopy (EM).

Results

Prenatal plasma and urine levels of NGAL and KIM-1 were significantly higher in preeclamptic than in normal controls, p &lt; 0.01. In normal pregnancy, both plasma and urine levels of NGAL and KIM-1 at 24–48 h after delivery and 6–8 weeks postpartum were relatively comparable to that of antenatal levels. In preeclampsia, urine, but not plasma, NGAL levels were reduced at 6–8 weeks postpartum compared to the antenatal levels, p &lt; 0.05. Although maternal and urine KIM-1 levels were reduced at 6–8 weeks postpartum compared to the antenatal levels in preeclampsia, the levels were still higher than those in normal pregnancy. Positive expression of NGAL and KIM-1 was detected in proximal tubule epithelial cells in kidney tissue specimens from preeclampsia but not in non-pregnancy controls. EM examination showed glomerular and tubular injury in preeclampsia.

Conclusion

Our findings of increased maternal levels and urine secretion of NGAL and KIM-1, along with the upregulation of NGAL and KIM-1 expression in tubular epithelial cells in preeclampsia, provide plausible evidence that tubular injury exists in preeclampsia. The higher postpartum NGAL and KIM-1 levels in preeclamptic pregnancies indicate that tubular injury would not resolve within 2–3 months after delivery and suggest that proper follow-up and management of kidney function in women with preeclampsia would be necessary to reduce chronic kidney diseases in those women later in life.

Oral combined hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril vs nifedipine for postpartum hypertension: a comparative-effectiveness pilot randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and diuretics may be underutilized for postpartum hypertension because of their teratogenicity during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated whether combined oral hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril therapy produced superior short-term blood pressure control when compared with nifedipine among postpartum individuals with hypertension requiring pharmacologic treatment.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a pilot randomized controlled trial (October 2021 to June 2022) that included individuals with chronic hypertension or hypertensive disorders of pregnancy with 2 systolic blood pressure measurements ≥150 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure measurements ≥100 mm Hg within 72 hours after delivery. Participants were randomized to receive either combined hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril therapy or nifedipine therapy after stratifying the participants by diagnosis (chronic hypertension vs hypertensive disorders of pregnancy). The primary outcome was stage 2 hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg) determined using a home blood pressure monitor on days 7 to 10 after delivery or at readmission to the hospital for blood pressure control. The secondary outcomes included severe maternal morbidity (any of the following: intensive care unit admission; hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count syndrome; eclampsia; stroke; cardiomyopathy; or maternal death), need for intravenous medications after randomization, hospital length of stay, blood pressure during first clinic visit, medication compliance, and adverse events. A pilot trial with 70 individuals was planned given the limited available data on combined hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril therapy use in postpartum care. We calculated relative risks and 95% credible intervals in an intention-to-treat analysis. Finally, we conducted a preplanned Bayesian analysis to estimate the probability of benefit or harm with a neutral informative prior.

RESULTS

Of 111 eligible individuals, 70 (63%) agreed and were randomized (31 in the hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril group and 36 in the nifedipine group; 3 withdrew consent after randomization), and the characteristics were similar at baseline between the groups. The primary outcome was unavailable for 9 (12.8%) participants. The primary outcome occurred in 27% of participants in the hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril group and in 43% of the participants in the nifedipine group (posterior adjusted relative risk, 0.74; 95% credible interval, 0.40-1.31). Bayesian analysis indicated an 85% posterior probability of a reduction in the primary outcome with combined hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril therapy relative to nifedipine treatment. No differences were noted in the secondary outcomes or adverse medication events.

CONCLUSION

The results of the pilot trial suggest a high probability that combined hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril therapy produces superior short-term BP control when compared with nifedipine. These findings should be confirmed in a larger trial.

[Nephrotic syndrome due to preeclampsia: Presentation, management and clinical evolution observed in 5 years experience]

INTRODUCTION

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is rare during pregnancy. The main cause is severe pre-eclampsia (PR). Our aim was to describe the clinical presentation, analytical features, medical management, and progress of women with NS due to PE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A descriptive, retrospective study, conducted from 01/01/2017 to 01/01/2022 (5years). Women with a gestational age (GA) ≥20weeks were included in the study, hospitalised due to hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP), with no evidence of kidney damage prior to gestation.

RESULTS

Of the 652 HDP, 452 PE and 21 NS were identified. Maternal age was 25±5.7 years, GA at diagnosis was 33.1±5.1 weeks. All the women had facial and peripheral oedema: 5 pleural effusion, 3 pericardial effusion, and 2 anasarca. Their p24 was 6.17±2.34grams (3.10-10.8), serum albumin 2.5±0.27g/dL (2.10-2.90), and serum cholesterol 281.4±21.7mg/dL (251-316). Thirteen developed maternal complications: acute kidney damage, pulmonary oedema, dilated cardiomyopathy, eclampsia, and HELLP syndrome. They all remained hypertensive postpartum, and required a combination of two to three antihypertensive drugs. They all received statins postpartum, and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors to manage proteinuria. None developed hyperkalaemia or creatinine elevation. Hospital stay was 10.4±3.7days. All nephrotic range proteinuria parameters reversed prior to discharge. No deaths were recorded.

CONCLUSION

Presentation ranged from peripheral oedema to serous involvement. Severity of proteinuria varied. Use of ACE inhibitors did not precipitate hyperkalaemia or kidney failure. Maternal complications were frequent, but no deaths were recorded.

Long-term effects of preeclampsia on maternal cardiovascular health and postpartum utilization of primary care: an observational claims data study

PURPOSE

Preeclampsia occurs in up to 15% of pregnancies and constitutes a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This observational cohort study aimed to examine the association between preeclamptic pregnancies and cardiovascular outcomes as well as primary and specialized care utilization after delivery.

METHODS

Using statutory claims data we identified women with singleton live births between 2010 and 2017. Main outcomes included the occurrence of either hypertension or cardiovascular disease after one or more preeclamptic pregnancies, number of contacts to a general practitioner or cardiologist after delivery and prescribed antihypertensive medication. Data were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard regression models adjusted for maternal age, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity.

RESULTS

The study cohort consisted of 181,574 women with 240,698 births. Women who experienced preeclampsia once had an increased risk for cardiovascular (hazard ratio, HR = 1.29) or hypertensive (HR = 4.13) events. In women affected by recurrent preeclampsia, risks were even higher to develop cardiovascular disease (HR = 1.53) or hypertension (HR = 6.01). In the following years after delivery, general practitioners were seen frequently, whereas cardiologists were consulted rarely (0.3 and 2.4%).

CONCLUSION

Women affected by preeclampsia experience an increased risk of developing chronic hypertension and cardiovascular disease, especially those with recurrent preeclampsia. Future medical guidelines should take this potential risk into account.

The L-NAME mouse model of preeclampsia and impact to long-term maternal cardiovascular health

Preeclampsia affects ∼2–8% of pregnancies worldwide. It is associated with increased long-term maternal cardiovascular disease risk. This study assesses the effect of the vasoconstrictor N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) in modelling preeclampsia in mice, and its long-term effects on maternal cardiovascular health. In this study, we found that L-NAME administration mimicked key characteristics of preeclampsia, including elevated blood pressure, impaired fetal and placental growth, and increased circulating endothelin-1 (vasoconstrictor), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (anti-angiogenic factor), and C-reactive protein (inflammatory marker). Post-delivery, mice that received L-NAME in pregnancy recovered, with no discernible changes in measured cardiovascular indices at 1-, 2-, and 4-wk post-delivery, compared with matched controls. At 10-wk post-delivery, arteries collected from the L-NAME mice constricted significantly more to phenylephrine than controls. In addition, these mice had increased kidney Mmp9:Timp1 and heart Tnf mRNA expression, indicating increased inflammation. These findings suggest that though administration of L-NAME in mice certainly models key characteristics of preeclampsia during pregnancy, it does not appear to model the adverse increase in cardiovascular disease risk seen in individuals after preeclampsia.

Screening high-risk population of persistent postpartum hypertension in women with preeclampsia using latent class cluster analysis

BACKGROUND

A significant proportion of women with preeclampsia (PE) exhibit persistent postpartum hypertension (PHTN) at 3 months postpartum associated with cardiovascular morbidity. This study aimed to screen patients with PE to identify the high-risk population with persistent PHTN.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study enrolled 1,000 PE patients with complete parturient and postpartum blood pressure (BP) profiles at 3 months postpartum. The enrolled patients exhibited new-onset hypertension after 20 weeks of pregnancy, while those with PE superimposed upon chronic hypertension were excluded. Latent class cluster analysis (LCCA), a method of unsupervised learning in machine learning, was performed to ascertain maternal exposure clusters from eight variables and 35 subordinate risk factors. Logistic regression was applied to calculate odds ratios (OR) indicating the association between clusters and PHTN.

RESULTS

The 1,000 participants were classified into three exposure clusters (subpopulations with similar characteristics) according to persistent PHTN development: high-risk cluster (31.2%), medium-risk cluster (36.8%), and low-risk cluster (32.0%). Among the 1,000 PE patients, a total of 134 (13.4%) were diagnosed with persistent PHTN, while the percentages of persistent PHTN were24.68%, 10.05%, and 6.25% in the high-, medium-, and low-risk clusters, respectively. Persistent PHTN in the high-risk cluster was nearly five times higher (OR, 4.915; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.92-8.27) and three times (OR, 2.931; 95% CI, 1.91-4.49) than in the low- and medium-risk clusters, respectively. Persistent PHTN did not differ between the medium- and low-risk clusters. Subjects in the high-risk cluster were older and showed higher BP, poorer prenatal organ function, more adverse pregnancy events, and greater medication requirement than the other two groups.

CONCLUSION

Patients with PE can be classified into high-, medium-, and low-risk clusters according to persistent PHTN severity; each cluster has cognizable clinical features. This study's findings stress the importance of controlling persistent PHTN to prevent future cardiovascular disease.

What a paediatric nephrologist should know about preeclampsia and why it matters

Preeclampsia is a protean syndrome causing a kidney disease characterised by hypertension and proteinuria, usually considered transitory and reversible after delivery. Its prevalence ranges from 3-5 to 10% if all the related disorders are considered. This narrative review, on behalf of the Kidney and Pregnancy Study Group of the Italian Society of Nephrology, focuses on three reasons why preeclampsia should concern paediatric nephrologists and how they can play an important role in its prevention, as well as in the prevention of future kidney and cardiovascular diseases. Firstly, all diseases of the kidney and urinary tract diagnosed in paediatric age are associated with a higher risk of adverse pregnancy-related outcomes, including preeclampsia. Secondly, babies with low birth weights (small for gestational age, born preterm, or both) have an increased risk of developing the full panoply of metabolic diseases (obesity, hypertension, early-onset cardiopathy and chronic kidney disease) and girls are at higher risk of developing preeclampsia when pregnant. The risk may be particularly high in cases of maternal preeclampsia, highlighting a familial aggregation of this condition. Thirdly, pregnant teenagers have a higher risk of developing preeclampsia and the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and should be followed up as high risk pregnancies. In summary, preeclampsia has come to be seen as a window on the future health of both mother and baby. Identification of subjects at risk, early counselling and careful follow-up can contribute to reducing the high morbidity linked with this disorder.

Best Practices for Managing Postpartum Hypertension

Purpose of Review

Patients remain at risk for persistent and de novo postpartum hypertension related to pregnancy. This review aims to summarize the current definitions, clinical practices, and novel systems innovations and therapies for postpartum hypertension.

Recent Findings

Recent changes to the definitions of hypertension outside of pregnancy have not yet impacted definitions or management of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), though research examining the implications of these new definitions on risks of developing HDP and the resultant sequelae is ongoing. The administration of diuretics has been shown to reduce postpartum hypertension among women with HDP. Widespread implementation of telemedicine models and remote assessment of ambulatory blood pressures has increased data available on postpartum blood pressure trajectories, which may impact clinical management. Additionally, policy changes such as postpartum Medicaid extension and an increasing emphasis on building bridges to primary care in the postpartum period may improve long-term outcomes for women with postpartum hypertension. Prediction models utilizing machine learning are an area of ongoing research to assist with risk assessment in the postpartum period.

Summary

The clinical management of postpartum hypertension remains focused on blood pressure control and primary care transition for cardiovascular disease risk reduction. In recent years, systemic innovations have improved access through implementation of new care delivery models. However, the implications of changing definitions of hypertension outside of pregnancy, increased data assessing blood pressure trajectories in the postpartum period, and the creation of new risk prediction models utilizing machine learning remain areas of ongoing research.

Levels of blood pressure, cardiovascular biomarkers and their correlations in women with previous pre-eclamptic pregnancy within 7 years postpartum: a cross-sectional study in Thailand

OBJECTIVE

To assess the levels of blood pressure, cardiovascular biomarkers and their correlations measured within 7 years postpartum in women with previous pre-eclamptic pregnancies compared with women with previous normotensive pregnancies.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Two tertiary hospitals in the southern region of Thailand.

PARTICIPANTS

Women with pre-eclamptic and normotensive pregnancies in the past 7 years were enrolled from 1 October 2019 to 30 April 2021. Eligible women were interviewed, examined for body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure, and donated morning spot urine and blood samples.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Serum high-sensitivity C reactive protein, creatinine, fasting blood glucose (FBS), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, urine microalbumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) and sodium were measured. Group differences in biomarkers were tested using unpaired t-test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test or χ² test. The levels of blood pressure and biomarkers between the two study groups at <2 years, 2-4 years and >4 years were also compared. The correlations between blood pressure and biomarkers were analysed using Pearson's correlation and partial correlation methods.

RESULTS

From 206 women included in the analysis, 88 had pre-eclamptic pregnancies and 118 had normotensive pregnancies. Compared with women with previous normotensive pregnancies, women with previous pre-eclamptic pregnancies had significantly increased rates of hypertension (31.8% vs 7.6%, p<0.001) and obesity (55.7% vs 40.7%, p=0.038), as well as higher serum levels of FBS (p<0.001), HbA1c (p<0.001), LDL cholesterol (p=0.03), creatinine (p<0.001) and UACR (p<0.001). Correlation coefficients of BMI, serum creatinine and UACR with blood pressure ranged from 0.27 to 0.31.

CONCLUSION

The risk of hypertension after a pre-eclamptic pregnancy increased. Blood pressure measurement combined with BMI, serum creatinine and UACR screening at least once during 7 years postpartum is suggested for early detection of cardiovascular risk.

Blood Pressure Levels and Maternal Outcome in Women with Preeclampsia - a Retrospective Study from a Large Tertiary Obstetric Centre

Introduction Patients with high blood pressure levels are at high risk for acute complications as well as serious long-term consequences. Women with preeclampsia often experience very high blood pressure levels during pregnancy and postpartum and are also known to have a higher cardiovascular risk in later life. Material and Methods In our single-centre retrospective cohort study, we analysed 158 pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia in regard to maternal outcome. We divided the patient cohort into three subgroups according to the blood pressure levels during hospital stay. Results Pre-existing arterial hypertension was significantly more common in patients with a hypertensive crisis (systolic blood pressure ≥ 180 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 120 mmHg) during pregnancy than in patients with moderate or severe hypertension (p = 0.001). Women with a hypertensive crisis had an unfavourable outcome compared to women with lower blood pressure levels. These women developed a HELLP-syndrome significantly more often (p = 0.013). Moreover, most of the women with a hypertensive crisis during pregnancy were still hypertensive at hospital discharge (p = 0.004), even though they were administrated antihypertensive agents more often (p < 0.001) compared to women with lower blood pressure values. Conclusion Preeclamptic women with hypertensive crises should be identified quickly and monitored closely to avoid further complications. Standardized follow-up programs are lacking, but especially these patients seem to be at high risk for persistent hypertension and increased cardiovascular morbidity and therefore should receive specialist follow-up, including hypertensiologists, cardiologists and gynaecologists. Large prospective trials are required for a better understanding of these interrelations and to develop a specific follow-up program.

Directive clinique no 426 : Troubles hypertensifs de la grossesse : Diagnostic, prédiction, prévention et prise en charge

OBJECTIF

La présente directive a été élaborée par des fournisseurs de soins de maternité en obstétrique et en médecine interne. Elle aborde le diagnostic, l'évaluation et la prise en charge des troubles hypertensifs de la grossesse, la prédiction et la prévention de la prééclampsie ainsi que les soins post-partum des femmes avec antécédent de trouble hypertensif de la grossesse.

POPULATION CIBLE

Femmes enceintes. BéNéFICES, RISQUES ET COûTS: La mise en œuvre des recommandations de la présente directive devrait réduire l'incidence des troubles hypertensifs de la grossesse, en particulier la prééclampsie, et des issues défavorables associées. DONNéES PROBANTES: La revue exhaustive de la littérature a été mise à jour en tenant compte des nouvelles données probantes jusqu'en décembre 2020 et en suivant la même méthodologie que pour la précédente directive de la Société des obstétriciens et gynécologues du Canada (SOGC) sur les troubles hypertensifs de la grossesse. La recherche s'est limitée aux articles publiés en anglais ou en français. Les recommandations relatives aux traitements s'appuient d'abord sur les essais cliniques randomisés et les revues systématiques (lorsque disponibles), ainsi que sur l'évaluation des résultats cliniques substantiels chez les mères et les bébés. MéTHODES DE VALIDATION: Les auteurs se sont entendus sur le contenu et les recommandations par consensus et ont répondu à l'examen par les pairs du comité de médecine fœto-maternelle de la SOGC. Les auteurs ont évalué la qualité des données probantes et la force des recommandations en utilisant le cadre méthodologique d'évaluation, de développement et d'évaluation (GRADE) et se sont gardé l'option de désigner certaines recommandations par la mention « bonne pratique ». Voir l'annexe A en ligne (tableau A1 pour les définitions et tableau A2 pour l'interprétation des recommandations fortes et conditionnelles [faibles]). Le conseil d'administration de la SOGC a approuvé la version définitive aux fins de publication.

PROFESSIONNELS CIBLES

Tous les fournisseurs de soins de santé (obstétriciens, médecins de famille, sages-femmes, infirmières et anesthésistes) qui prodiguent des soins aux femmes avant, pendant ou après la grossesse.

RECOMMANDATIONS

Guideline No. 426: Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: Diagnosis, Prediction, Prevention, and Management

OBJECTIVE

This guideline was developed by maternity care providers from obstetrics and internal medicine. It reviews the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs), the prediction and prevention of preeclampsia, and the postpartum care of women with a previous HDP.

TARGET POPULATION

Pregnant women.

BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS

Implementation of the recommendations in these guidelines may reduce the incidence of the HDPs, particularly preeclampsia, and associated adverse outcomes.

EVIDENCE

A comprehensive literature review was updated to December 2020, following the same methods as for previous Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) HDP guidelines, and references were restricted to English or French. To support recommendations for therapies, we prioritized randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews (if available), and evaluated substantive clinical outcomes for mothers and babies.

VALIDATION METHODS

The authors agreed on the content and recommendations through consensus and responded to peer review by the SOGC Maternal Fetal Medicine Committee. The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, along with the option of designating a recommendation as a "good practice point." See online Appendix A (Tables A1 for definitions and A2 for interpretations of strong and conditional [weak] recommendations).The Board of the SOGC approved the final draft for publication.

INTENDED USERS

All health care providers (obstetricians, family doctors, midwives, nurses, and anesthesiologists) who provide care to women before, during, or after pregnancy.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Clinical practice guideline for the prevention and management of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

Objectives: To provide clinical recommendations based on evidence for the the prevention and management of HDP in EsSalud. Methods: A CPG for the the prevention and management of HDP in EsSalud was developed. To this end, a guideline development group (local GDG) was established, including medical specialists and methodologists. The local GDG formulated 8 clinical questions to be answered by this CPG. Systematic searches of systematic reviews and—when it was considered pertinent—primary studies were searched in PubMed y Central during 2021. The evidence to answer each of the posed clinical questions was selected. The quality of the evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. In periodic work meetings, the local GDG used the GRADE methodology to review the evidence and formulate the recommendations, the points of good clinical practice and flowcharts for the prevention, management and follow-up. Finally, the CPG was approved with Resolution 112-IETSI-ESSALUD-2021. Results: This CPG addressed 8 clinical questions, divided into three topics: prevention, management and follow-up of the HDP. Based on these questions, 11 recommendations (6 strong recommendations and 5 weak recommendations), 32 points of good clinical practice, and 3 flowcharts were formulated. Conclusions: The main recommendations in the guideline are the use of magnesium sulfate for the treatment of severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. The guideline must be updated in three years’ time.

Angiotensin II type 1 receptor agonistic autoantibody blockade improves postpartum hypertension and cardiac mitochondrial function in rat model of preeclampsia

Women with preeclampsia (PE) have a greater risk of developing hypertension, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and renal disease later in life. Angiotensin II type I receptor agonistic autoantibodies (AT1-AAs) are elevated in women with PE during pregnancy and up to 2-year postpartum (PP), and in the reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) rat model of PE. Blockade of AT1-AA with a specific 7 amino acid peptide binding sequence (‘n7AAc’) improves pathophysiology observed in RUPP rats; however, the long-term effects of AT1-AA inhibition in PP is unknown. Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups: normal pregnant (NP) (n = 16), RUPP (n = 15), and RUPP + ‘n7AAc’ (n = 16). Gestational day 14, RUPP surgery was performed and ‘n7AAc’ (144 μg/day) administered via osmotic minipump. At 10-week PP, mean arterial pressure (MAP), renal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and cardiac functions, and cardiac mitochondria function were assessed. MAP was elevated PP in RUPP vs. NP (126 ± 4 vs. 116 ± 3 mmHg, p < 0.05), but was normalized in in RUPP + ‘n7AAc’ (109 ± 3 mmHg) vs. RUPP (p < 0.05). PP heart size was reduced by RUPP + ’n7AAc’ vs. RUPP rats (p < 0.05). Complex IV protein abundance and enzymatic activity, along with glutamate/malate-driven respiration (complexes I, III, and IV), were reduced in the heart of RUPP vs. NP rats which was prevented with ‘n7AAc’. AT1-AA inhibition during pregnancy not only improves blood pressure and pathophysiology of PE in rats during pregnancy, but also long-term changes in blood pressure, cardiac hypertrophy, and cardiac mitochondrial function PP.

Postnatal assessment for renal dysfunction in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy : A prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are associated with chronic kidney disease. Early detection of renal dysfunction enables implementation of strategies to prevent progression. International guidelines recommend review at 6-8 weeks postpartum to identify persistent hypertension and abnormal renal function, but evidence for the efficacy of this review is limited.

METHODS

All women attending a specialist fetal-maternal medicine clinic for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (pre-eclampsia, chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension) were invited for a 6-8 weeks postpartum review of their blood pressure and renal function in order to establish the prevalence and independent predictors of renal dysfunction. Renal dysfunction was defined as low estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2) or proteinuria (24-h protein excretion > 150 mg or urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio > 3 mg/mmol). All women attending a specialist clinic for hypertensive disorders were invited for a 6-8 weeks postpartum review of their blood pressure and renal function. Demographics, pregnancy and renal outcomes were prospectively collected.

RESULTS

Between 2013 and 2019, 740 of 1050 (70.4%) women who had a pregnancy complicated by a hypertensive disorder attended their 6-8 weeks postpartum visit. Renal dysfunction was present in 32% of the total cohort and in 46% and 22% of women with and without pre-eclampsia, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that independent predictors were pre-eclampsia, chronic hypertension, highest measured antenatal serum creatinine, highest measured antenatal 24-h urinary protein, and blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg at the postnatal visit.

CONCLUSIONS

Renal dysfunction was present in one in three women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy at 6-8 weeks postpartum. This includes women with gestational hypertension and chronic hypertension without superimposed pre-eclampsia, and thus these women should also be offered postnatal review.

Chronic hypertension in pregnancy: synthesis of influential guidelines

Chronic hypertension in pregnancy accounts for a substantial proportion of maternal morbidity and mortality and is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, most of which can be mitigated by appropriate surveillance and management protocols. The aim of this study was to review and compare recommendations of published guidelines on this condition. Thus, a descriptive review of influential guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, the Society of Obstetric Medicine of Australia and New Zealand, the International Society of Hypertension, the International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy, the European Society of Cardiology, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists on chronic hypertension in pregnancy was conducted. All guidelines agree on the definition and medical management, the need for more frequent antenatal care and fetal surveillance and the re-evaluation at 6-8 weeks postpartum. There is also a consensus that the administration of low-dose aspirin is required to prevent preeclampsia, although the optimal dosage remains controversial. No universal agreement has been spotted regarding optimal treatment blood pressure (BP) targets, need for treating mild-to-moderate hypertension and postnatal BP measurements. Additionally, while the necessity of antenatal corticosteroids and magnesium sulfate for preterm delivery is universally recommended, the appropriate timing of delivery is not clearly outlined. Hence, there is a need to adopt consistent practice protocols to optimally manage these pregnancies; i.e. timely detect and treat any potential complications and subsequently reduce the associated morbidity and mortality.

Persistent Hypertension Up to One Year Postpartum among Women with Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy in a Low-Resource Setting: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background

Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDPs) are associated with lifelong cardiovascular disease risk. Persistent postpartum hypertension in HDPs could suggest progression to chronic hypertension. This phenomenon has not been well examined in low- and middle-income countries (LIMCs), and most previous follow-ups typically last for maximally six weeks postpartum. We assessed the prevalence of persistent hypertension up to one year in women with HDPs in a low resource setting and determined associated risk factors.

Methodology

A prospective cohort study of women conducted at eight tertiary health care facilities in seven states of Nigeria. Four hundred and ten women with any HDP were enrolled within 24 hours of delivery and followed up at intervals until one year postpartum. Descriptive statistics were performed to express the participants' characteristics. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to identify associated risk factors.

Results

Of the 410 women enrolled, 278 were followed up to one year after delivery (follow-up rate 68%). Among women diagnosed with gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia/eclampsia, 22.3% (95% CI; 8.3-36.3) and 62.1% (95% CI; 52.5-71.9), respectively, had persistent hypertension at six months and this remained similar at one year 22.3% (95% CI; 5.6-54.4) and 61.2% (95% CI; 40.6-77.8). Maternal age and body mass index were significant risk factors for persistent hypertension at one year [aORs = 1.07/year (95% CI; 1.02-1.13) and 1.06/kg/m2 (95% CI; 1.01-1.10)], respectively.

Conclusion

This study showed a substantial prevalence of persistent hypertension beyond puerperium. Health systems in LMICs need to be organized to anticipate and maintain postpartum monitoring until blood pressure is normalized, or women referred or discharged to family physicians as appropriate. In particular, attention should be given to women who are obese, and or of higher maternal age.

Cerebral hemodynamics and vasoconstriction in preeclampsia: From diagnosis to resolution

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate maternal cerebral hemodynamics in patients with preeclampsia (PE) from diagnosis to clinical resolution using transcranial Doppler (TCD) and compare these findings with those of healthy pregnant women. Furthermore, we sought to describe the prevalence of vasoconstriction (VC) and related clinical parameters in PE.

STUDY DESIGN

Case-control study including consecutive patients with PE at diagnosis and healthy pregnant women at week 36 of pregnancy. We prospectively collected clinical and neuroimaging data. TCD was repeated at inclusion and on days 1, 7, and 30 postpartum.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Evolution of intracranial arteries hemodynamics (mean velocities (MV), resistance index). VC diagnosis and related features are described.

RESULTS

A total of 165 patients (80 with PE) underwent 467 TCD procedures. Patients with PE presented higher MAP. Intracranial arteries MV were significantly higher in patients with PE (at diagnosis and days 1 and 7 postpartum) but were normalized by day 30, without correlation with MAP evolution or treatment. VC was present in 32.5% of patients with PE (p < 0.001) and was mainly mild according to the Lindegaard index. Severe PE was associated with VC (50.0% vs. 22.6%; odds ratio 3.484; 95% confidence interval 1.425-8.520; p = 0.014). No other independent risk factors for reversible VC were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with PE presented significantly higher MV in the anterior circulation compared to healthy controls, which worsened by day 7 and reverted by day 30 after delivery. VC was present in one-third of PE but was mainly mild and asymptomatic. Severe PE was associated with VC development.

Determination of Urine Protein Levels and Analysis of Differences in Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Levels between Early Onset and Late Onset Preeclampsia

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is a disease with the high mortality rate. Data indicate that 23.5% of maternal deaths due to preeclampsia. Urine protein testing is essential for pregnant women to discover the function of kidney during pregnancy and to identify the presence of preeclampsia, both mild and severe, which it can lead to eclampsia. Preeclampsia based on onset can also be detected by examining serum biomarkers of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). AIM: The aim of this study was to overview the urine protein levels and analyzed the differences serum VEGF levels between the early and late onset of preeclampsia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study used design of the cross sectional comparative study in RSUP DR. M Djamil Padang, Pariaman Hospital, Aisiyah Pariaman Hospital, and Padang Pariaman Regional Hospital for 2 years. The population in this study consisted of patients with early and late onset preeclampsia who went to the study site during that time and met the inclusion criteria. Sampling with consecutive sampling consisted of 28 people per group. RESULTS: The results revealed that the number of patients who had urine protein levels with a value of 2+ at the early onset was 14 and at the late onset was 12, meanwhile for patients with a urine protein content value of 3+ at the early onset it was 14 and at the late onset was 10.For the category urine protein with a value of 4+ amounted to 6 people only in the late onset group. The results of the normality test showed that the mean value of VEGF levels at early onset and late onset was 3.91 pg / ml and 4.3 pg / ml, respectively. Thus, the level of VEGF serum had an abnormal distribution and it led to the T test data could not be tested. So then, the testing was done using a non-parametric test, namely the Mann-Whittney test. The mean levels of VEGF, respectively, based on the Mann-Whittney test for early onset preeclampsia and late onset preeclampsia were 29.75 ng / mL and 30.25 ng / mL. VEGF in early onset preeclampsia is lower than late onset preeclampsia. CONCLUSION: Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that there was no significant difference in the level of VEGF in early onset preeclampsia and late onset preeclampsia (p = 0.42). Keywords: Preeclampsia, early onset, late onset, urine protein, VEGF

Long-term Clinical Outcome of Major Adverse Vascular Events After Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and adverse events after pregnancy, including chronic kidney disease and major adverse cardiovascular events (cerebrovascular accident, coronary artery disease, or death).

METHODS

A nationwide, population-based cohort study was conducted analyzing women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy identified from Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database from 2004 to 2015. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. The study cohort was comprised of women aged 20-40 years diagnosed with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy from 2006 to 2013. The comparison group comprised of four randomly selected women without hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, matched for age and index date for each woman with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. All the women were followed from the date of cohort entry until they developed chronic kidney disease or major adverse cardiovascular events or until the end of 2015, whichever occurred first. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to estimate the risk of chronic kidney disease and major adverse cardiovascular events.

RESULTS

We identified 29,852 women with a diagnosis of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and 119,408 matched women without hypertensive disorders of pregnancy who fit the inclusion criteria. The crude hazard ratios (HRs) were 5.22 (95% CI 4.67-5.83) and 2.26 (95% CI 1.99-2.57) for chronic kidney disease and major adverse cardiovascular events. After adjusting for potential confounders, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy was associated with a higher risk of chronic kidney disease (adjusted HR, 4.26; 95% CI 3.80-4.78), and major adverse cardiovascular events (adjusted HR, 2.15; 95% CI 1.89-2.45).

CONCLUSION

This population-based cohort study indicated that women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are at a higher risk of chronic kidney disease and major adverse cardiovascular events than women without hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Further studies are required to clarify the nature of these associations and to improve public health interventions.

Short term cardiovascular risk in normotensive women after hypertensive pregnancy

INTRODUCTION

Hypertensive pregnancy was recognized as a risk factor of cardiovascular events. The aim of our study was to evaluate the short-term cardiovascular risk in normotensive females with previous hypertensive pregnancy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A prospective cohort study was conducted on 50 females with previous normotensive pregnancy and 50 females with previous hypertensive pregnancy. All patients were re-evaluated three months postpartum to be sure that they became normotensive. One year postpartum, all patients were subjected to renal function tests, urinary albumin/creatinine ratio for microalbuminuria, glycated hemoglobin, complete lipid profile, echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular mass index and carotid duplex for measurement of intimal-medial thickness, presence of carotid plaques and stenosis.

RESULTS

No significant difference between both groups regarding blood pressure level three months postpartum. No significant difference between both groups regarding serum creatinine. Patients with previous hypertensive pregnancy group had significantly higher microalbuminuria compared with previous normotensive pregnancy group (p=0.000). Serum LDL and triglycerides were significantly higher however HDL was significantly lower in those with previous hypertensive pregnancy, however all lipid profile measures were within normal range. No significant difference between both groups regarding left ventricular mass index and carotid intima-media thickness. No evidence of carotid plaques or stenosis in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Previous hypertensive pregnancy was associated with increased risk of microalbuminuria at short term level even after normalization of blood pressure post-partum. Longer period of follow up is required to establish the potential cardiovascular risk in these patients.

Preeclampsia-Pathophysiology and Clinical Presentations: JACC State-of-the-Art Review

Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. It affects 2% to 8% of pregnancies worldwide and causes significant maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Hypertension and proteinuria are the cornerstone of the disease, though systemic organ dysfunction may ensue. The clinical syndrome begins with abnormal placentation with subsequent release of antiangiogenic markers, mediated primarily by soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and soluble endoglin (sEng). High levels of sFlt-1 and sEng result in endothelial dysfunction, vasoconstriction, and immune dysregulation, which can negatively impact every maternal organ system and the fetus. This review comprehensively examines the pathogenesis of preeclampsia with a specific focus on the mechanisms underlying the clinical features. Delivery is the only definitive treatment. Low-dose aspirin is recommended for prophylaxis in high-risk populations. Other treatment options are limited. Additional research is needed to clarify the pathophysiology, and thus, identify potential therapeutic targets for improved treatment and, ultimately, outcomes of this prevalent disease.

A Longitudinal Pilot Study on Cognition and Cerebral Hemodynamics in a Mouse Model of Preeclampsia Superimposed on Hypertension: Looking at Mothers and Their Offspring

Preeclampsia is a common hypertensive disorder in pregnant women and whose causes and consequences have focused primarily on cardiovascular outcomes on the mother and offspring, often without taking into consideration the possible effects on the brain. One possible cause of preeclampsia has been attributed to alterations in the renin-angiotensin system, which has also been linked to cognitive decline. In this pilot study, we use a transgenic mouse model that chronically overexpresses human angiotensinogen and renin (R⁺A⁺ mice) that displayed characteristics of preeclampsia such as proteinuria during gestation. Offspring of these mothers as well as from control mothers were also examined. We were primarily interested in detecting whether cognitive deficits were present in the mothers and offspring in the long term and used a spatial learning and memory task as well as an object recognition task at three timepoints: 3, 8, and 12 months post-partum or post-natal, while measuring blood pressure and performing urine analysis after each timepoint. While we did not find significant deficits in preeclamptic mothers at the later timepoints, we did observe negative consequences in the pups of R⁺A⁺ mice that coincided with hemodynamic alterations whereby pups had higher whisker-evoked oxygenated hemoglobin levels and increased cerebral blood flow responses compared to control pups. Our study provides validation of this preeclampsia mouse model for future studies to decipher the underlying mechanisms of long-term cognitive deficits found in offspring.

Effect of pregnancy prolongation in early-onset pre-eclampsia on postpartum maternal cardiovascular, renal and metabolic function in primiparous women: an observational study

Objective

To evaluate the association between deferred delivery in early‐onset pre‐eclampsia and offspring outcome and maternal cardiovascular, renal and metabolic function in the postpartum period.

Design

Observational study.

Setting

Tertiary referral hospital.

Population

Nulliparous women diagnosed with pre‐eclampsia before 34 weeks’ gestation who participated in a routine postpartum cardiovascular risk assessment programme. Women with hypertension, diabetes mellitus or renal disease prior to pregnancy were excluded.

Methods

Regression analyses were performed to assess the association between pregnancy prolongation and outcome measures.

Main outcome measures

Offspring outcome and prevalence of deviant maternal cardiovascular, renal and metabolic function.

Results

The study population included 564 women with a median pregnancy prolongation of 10 days (interquartile range [IQR] 4–18) who were assessed at on average 8 months (IQR 6–12) postpartum. Pregnancy prolongation after diagnosis resulted in a decrease in infant mortality (adjusted odd ratio [aOR] 0.907, 95% CI 0.852–0.965 per day prolongation). This improvement in offspring outcome was associated with an elevated risk of moderately increased albuminuria (aOR 1.025, 95% CI 1.006–1.045 per day prolongation), but not with aberrant cardiac geometry, cardiac systolic or diastolic dysfunction, persistent hypertension or metabolic syndrome.

Conclusion

Pregnancy prolongation in early‐onset pre‐eclampsia is associated with improved offspring outcome and survival. These effects do not appear to be deleterious to short‐term maternal cardiovascular and metabolic function but are associated with a modest increase in risk of residual albuminuria.

Tweetable abstract

Pregnancy prolongation in pre‐eclampsia has only a limited effect on postpartum maternal cardiovascular function.

Pregnancy prolongation in pre‐eclampsia has only a limited effect on postpartum maternal cardiovascular function.

Postpartum Hypertension

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Hypertension affects approximately 10% of pregnancies and may persist in the postpartum period. Furthermore, de novo hypertension may present after delivery, but its exact prevalence is not verified. Both types of hypertension expose the mother to eventually severe complications like eclampsia, stroke, pulmonary edema, and HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet) syndrome.

RECENT FINDINGS

Until today, there are limited data regarding the risk factors, pathogenesis, and pathophysiology of postpartum hypertensive disorders. However, there is certain evidence that preeclampsia may in large part be responsible. Women who experienced preeclampsia during pregnancy, although considered cured after delivery and elimination of the placenta, continue to present endothelial and renal dysfunction in the postpartum period. The brain and kidneys are particularly sensitive to this pathological vascular condition, and severe complications may result from their involvement. Large randomized trials are needed to give us the evidence that will allow a timely diagnosis and treatment. Until then, medical providers should increase their knowledge regarding hypertension after delivery because many times there is an underestimation of the complications that can ensue after a misdiagnosed or undertreated postpartum hypertension.

Preeclampsia beyond pregnancy: long-term consequences for mother and child

Preeclampsia is defined as new-onset hypertension after the 20th wk of gestation along with evidence of maternal organ failure. Rates of preeclampsia have steadily increased over the past 30 yr, affecting ∼4% of pregnancies in the United States and causing a high economic burden (22, 69). The pathogenesis is multifactorial, with acknowledged contributions by placental, vascular, renal, and immunological dysfunction. Treatment is limited, commonly using symptomatic management and/or early delivery of the fetus (6). Along with significant peripartum morbidity and mortality, current research continues to demonstrate that the consequences of preeclampsia extend far beyond preterm delivery. It has lasting effects for both mother and child, resulting in increased susceptibility to hypertension and chronic kidney disease (45, 54, 115, 116), yielding lifelong risk to both individuals. This review discusses recent guideline updates and recommendations along with current research on these long-term consequences of preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia and the Ten-Year Risk of Incident Chronic Kidney Disease

BACKGROUND

Although preeclampsia (PE), as an endothelial disorder can lead to renal dysfunction during pregnancy, results of studies focusing on the potential long-term potential effects of PE on renal function are insufficient and those available are controversial. This study investigated the incidence rate and risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among women with prior history of PE compared with healthy controls in a long-term population-based study.

METHODS

This was a prospective population-based cohort study. Subjects were 1,851 eligible women, aged 20-50 years, with at least 1 pregnancy (177 women with prior-PE and 1,674 non-PE controls) selected from among the Tehran-Lipid and Glucose-Study-participants. A pooled-logistic-regression-model and Cox's-proportional-hazards-models were utilized to estimate the risk of CKD in women of both PE and without PE groups, after further adjustment for confounders.

RESULTS

Median and interquartile ranges for follow-up durations of the PE and non-PE groups were 7.78 (5.19-10.40) and 7.32 (4.73-11.00) years, respectively. Total cumulative incidence rates of CKD at the median follow-up time of each group were 35/100,000 (95% CI 25/100,000-50/100,000) and 36/100,000 (95% CI 32/100,000-39/100,000) in PE and non-PE women, respectively (p value = 0.90). Based on pooled-logistic-regression-analysis, OR of CKD progression (adjusted for age, body mass index [BMI], systolic blood pressure [SBP], and diastolic blood pressure [DBP]) for the PE group did not differ, compared to their non-PE counterparts (OR 1.04; p value = 0.80; 95% CI 0.77-1.40). Compared to non-PE women, women with prior PE did not have higher hazard ratios (HRs) of developing CKD in the unadjusted model (unadjusted HR 1.1, 95% CI 0.83-1.69, p = 0.35), results which remained unchanged after adjustment for age, BMI, baseline SBP, and DBP.

CONCLUSION

PE was not found to be a risk factor for CKD. More studies using a prospective cohort design with long-term follow-ups are needed to investigate the relationship between preeclamsia and CKD.

Updates in Diagnosis and Management of Preeclampsia in Women with CKD

It is estimated that women with CKD are ten times more likely to develop preeclampsia than women without CKD, with preeclampsia affecting up to 40% of pregnancies in women with CKD. However, the shared phenotype of hypertension, proteinuria, and impaired excretory kidney function complicates the diagnosis of superimposed preeclampsia in women with CKD who have hypertension and/or proteinuria that predates pregnancy. This article outlines the diagnoses of preeclampsia and superimposed preeclampsia. It discusses the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, including abnormal placentation and angiogenic dysfunction. The clinical use of angiogenic markers as diagnostic adjuncts for women with suspected preeclampsia is described, and the limited data on the use of these markers in women with CKD are presented. The role of kidney biopsy in pregnancy is examined. The management of preeclampsia is outlined, including important advances and controversies in aspirin prophylaxis, BP treatment targets, and the timing of delivery.

Clinical Course, Associated Factors, and Blood Pressure Profile of Delayed-Onset Postpartum Preeclampsia

OBJECTIVE

To identify clinical risk factors associated with development of delayed-onset postpartum preeclampsia, and to characterize management and subsequent risk of cardiovascular disease.

METHODS

This is a case-control study of women admitted to the hospital with delayed-onset postpartum preeclampsia (defined as a new diagnosis of preeclampsia presenting between 48 hours and 6 weeks postpartum) compared with women with full-term, uncomplicated pregnancies without a hypertensive diagnosis or diabetes. Included women delivered between January 2014 and June 2018 at a single tertiary care center. Women with an antenatal diagnosis of preeclampsia or chronic hypertension were excluded. Univariate analysis was used to identify risk factors associated with delayed-onset postpartum preeclampsia and to compare rates of hypertension and antihypertensive medication use, with follow-up beyond 3 months postpartum among a subset of women in the control group who were matched 2:1 with women in the case group. Multivariable logistic regression was performed and included covariates identified in a backward stepwise approach.

RESULTS

Compared with women in the control group (n=26,936), women with delayed-onset postpartum preeclampsia (n=121) were significantly more likely to be of non-Hispanic black race (31.4% vs 18.0%), obese (39.7% vs 20.1%), and deliver by cesarean (40.5% vs 25.8%), all P<.01. For women diagnosed with delayed-onset postpartum preeclampsia, the median postpartum day of presentation was 7.0 (interquartile range 5.0-9.0), with 93.4% presenting secondary to symptoms, which was most commonly a headache. A majority (73.6%) underwent imaging studies, and 49.6% received intravenous antihypertensive agents. A total of 86 (71.0%) women with delayed-onset postpartum preeclampsia and 169 (72.8%) women in the control group had longer term information available, with a median follow-up time of 1.5 years (interquartile range 0.8-2.8). Delayed-onset postpartum preeclampsia was associated with higher blood pressures at 3 months postpartum or later (median systolic 130 mm Hg vs 112 mm Hg and median diastolic 80 mm Hg vs 70 mm Hg, P<.001).

CONCLUSION

Delayed-onset postpartum preeclampsia is associated with variable management strategies. There is substantial overlap between the clinical risk factors for delayed-onset postpartum preeclampsia and antepartum preeclampsia. Our findings suggest that delayed-onset postpartum preeclampsia is also associated with an increased risk of progression to chronic hypertension.

Acute Kidney Injury in Pregnancies Complicated With Preeclampsia or HELLP Syndrome

Acute kidney injury that occurs during pregnancy or in the post-partum period (PR-AKI) is a serious obstetric complication with risk of significant associated maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Recent data indicates that the incidence of PR-AKI is increasing, although accurate calculation is limited by the lack of a uniform diagnostic criteria that is validated in pregnancy. Hypertensive and thrombotic microangiopathic disorders of pregnancy have been identified as major contributors to the burden of PR-AKI. As is now accepted regarding preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, it is believed that PR-AKI may have long-term renal, cardiovascular and neurocognitive consequences that persist beyond the post-partum period. Further research regarding PR-AKI could be advanced by the development of a pregnancy-specific validated definition and classification system; and the establishment of refined animal models that would allow researchers to further elucidate the mechanisms and sequelae of the disorder.

Evaluation of maternal renal cortical elasticity in pregnancies with early- and late-onset preeclampsia

Objective: The current study aimed to investigate renal cortical elasticity (RCE) in early- and late-onset preeclampsia patients and compare the results with healthy controls.Materials and methods: The study consisted of 136 pregnant women. Three groups were identified as; the late-onset preeclampsia (LOP) group (n = 40), the early-onset preeclampsia (EOP) group (n = 32) and the control group (n = 64). RCE values were measured by point shear wave elastography (pSWE). Nine measurements were taken for each kidney and the mean of nine measurements was accepted as the mean RCE value for each kidney. The arithmetic mean of left and right RCE values was accepted as the overall RCE value of a subject. Groups were compared in terms of clinical and biochemical parameters, ultrasonography findings and pSWE values.Results: There was a statistically significant difference between groups in terms of overall RCE values (F[2,133] = 17.96, p < .001). Post hoc comparisons indicated that both preeclampsia groups exhibited significantly higher RCE values than the control group. However, overall RCE values were not significantly different between the EOP and LOP groups. Overall RCE values were significantly and positively correlated with systolic blood pressure (r = 0.363, p < .001), diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.347, p < .001), proteinuria (r = 0.343, p < .001), serum creatinine level (r = 0.181, p = .035), serum uric acid level (r = 0.243, p = .004) and blood urea nitrogen (r = 0.27, p = .001).Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that maternal renal cortical stiffness increased in women with preeclampsia. The increased RCE values may be indicative for the severity of preeclampsia due to positive correlations between renal cortical stiffness and systolic - diastolic blood pressure and serum creatinine level.

Postpartum care of women with renal disease

Twenty-three percent of women with known chronic kidney disease (CKD) have been reported to demonstrate the first decline in kidney function between giving birth and six-weeks postpartum. As such, these women warrant close monitoring during the postpartum period irrespective of their pregnancy journey. Substantial haemodynamic variability during pregnancy and postpartum renders estimated glomerular filtration rate inaccurate, and poorly defined normal ranges of markers of kidney function at this time pose challenges for accurate assessment of renal complications. Multi-disciplinary specialist care is therefore essential, with consideration of specific implications of any known renal diagnosis and with observation for the development of postpartum complications of pregnancy. Furthermore, the postpartum period affords time to further investigate and diagnose kidney disease revealed by pregnancy. Good care planning and communication in the postpartum period has the potential to improve long-term health outcomes for women with known or new CKD and will be discussed in this review.

A systematic review and meta-analysis indicates long-term risk of chronic and end-stage kidney disease after preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related syndrome of variable severity, classically characterized by acute kidney involvement, with hypertension and/or proteinuria and reduced kidney function. Once considered a self-limited disease healed by delivery, it is now acknowledged that preeclampsia can affect cardiovascular and kidney health in the long term. The entity of risk has not been established and consequently follow-up policies have not been defined. Here we undertook a systematic review to gain better insights into the need for post-preeclampsia follow-up. Articles published between January 2000 and March 2018 were selected, dealing with at least 20 preeclampsia patients, with follow-up of 4 years or more (MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library). No quality selection or language restriction was performed. Of the 10,510 titles and abstracts originally considered, 21 papers were selected, providing information on 110,803 cases with and 2,680,929 controls without preeclampsia, with partial overlap between studies on the same databases. Heterogeneity was high, and a random meta-analytic model selected. The increase in risk of end stage renal disease after preeclampsia was significant (meta-analytic risk ratios (95% confidence interval) 6.35 (2.73-14.79)); the risk of albuminuria and chronic kidney disease increased but statistical significance was not reached (4.31 (0.95-19.58) and 2.03 (0.58-7.32), respectively). Translating meta-analytic risk into the number of patients who need follow-up to detect one adverse event, 310 patients with preeclampsia are needed to identify one woman with end stage renal disease or four to identify one woman with albuminuria. Heterogeneity in definitions, insufficient follow-up and incomplete recruitment may account for discrepancies. Thus, preeclampsia significantly increases the risk of end stage renal disease. However, there is lack of sufficient data to show a relationship between preeclampsia, albuminuria and chronic kidney disease, underlining the need for further prospective studies.

Venous and autonomic function in formerly pre-eclamptic women and controls matched for body mass index

OBJECTIVE

Prepregnancy reduced plasma volume (PV) increases the risk of subsequent pre-eclamptic pregnancy. Reduced PV is thought to reflect venous reserve capacity, especially when venous vasculature is constricted and sympathetic tone is elevated. As obesity might affect these variables, and is associated with pre-eclampsia, increased body weight may underlie these observations. The aim of this study was to determine whether the relationship between reduced venous reserve and pre-eclampsia is independent of body mass index (BMI).

METHODS

This was an observational case-control study in which venous reserve capacity in 30 formerly pre-eclamptic, but currently non-pregnant, women divided equally into three groups based on BMI (BMI 19.5-24.9, 25.0-29.9 or ≥ 30.0 kg/m² ), was compared with that in 30 healthy parous, non-pregnant controls. Cases and controls were matched for BMI, age and parity. Venous reserve capacity was quantified by assessing PV and venous compliance (VeC). The autonomic nervous system regulating venous capacitance was evaluated using heart rate (HR) variability analysis, with the women in a resting supine position and during positive head-up tilt (HUT).

RESULTS

Compared with controls, formerly pre-eclamptic women had, when in a resting supine position, lower PV (1339 ± 79 vs 1547 ± 139 mL/m² (P < 0.0001)), lower VeC (0.04 ± 0.02 vs 0.07 ± 0.02 mL/dL/mmHg (P < 0.0001)), higher sympathetic tone (1.9 ± 1.1 vs 1.2 ± 0.7 (P = 0.002)) and lower baroreceptor sensitivity (BRS; 8.7 ± 3.8 vs 19.0 ± 1.7 ms/mmHg (P < 0.0001)). During HUT, women with a history of pre-eclampsia had less modulatory capacity over VeC and BRS, while HR and sympathetic tone remained consistently higher.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with a history of pre-eclampsia had reduced venous reserve capacity compared with that in BMI-matched controls. This is reflected by lower PV and VeC, with the autonomic balance being shifted towards sympathetic dominance and lower BRS. This suggests that underlying reduced venous reserve, but not BMI, relates to pre-eclampsia. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.