The effect of preexisting medical comorbidities on the preeclamptic phenotype: a retrospective cohort study.

Objective

To compare the effect of comorbidities on the phenotype and outcomes of preeclampsia.

Methods

A matched retrospective cohort study of women delivering at a tertiary maternity center following a diagnosis of preeclampsia. We collected data on signs and symptoms, biochemical markers, and maternal and perinatal outcomes.

Results

We studied 474 women; 158 women with and 316 without comorbidities. Compared to women without comorbidities, women with comorbidities delivered earlier. They suffered fewer maternal but more neonatal complications.

Conclusion

Women with comorbidities receive earlier intervention than women without comorbidities, which may lead to fewer maternal complications but worse neonatal outcomes.