Acute renal failure in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Pregnancy outcome and remote prognosis in thirty-one consecutive cases

Acute kidney injury e-alerts in pregnancy: rates, recognition and recovery

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury (AKI) in pregnancy (Pr-AKI) is associated with substantial maternal morbidity and mortality. E-alerts are routinely used for detection of AKI in non-pregnant patients but their role in maternity care has not been explored.

METHODS

All pregnant or postpartum women with AKI e-alerts for AKI Stages 1-3 (Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria) were identified at a tertiary centre >2 years. Two women matched by delivery date for each case were selected as controls. AKI stage, recognition of AKI, pregnancy outcomes, renal recovery, AKI aetiology and risk factors were extracted from electronic patient records.

RESULTS

288 of 11 922 (2.4%) women had AKI e-alerts, of which only 118 (41%) were recognized by the obstetric team. Common Pr-AKI causes included infection (48%), pre-eclampsia (26%) and haemorrhage (25%), but no cause was identified in 15% of women. Renal function recovered in 213 (74%) women, but in 47 (17%) repeat testing was not undertaken and 28 (10%) did not recover function. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and Caesarean section were associated with increased incidence of Pr-AKI compared with controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Pr-AKI e-alerts were identified in ∼1 in 40 pregnancies. However, a cause for Pr-AKI was not identified in many cases and e-alerts may have been triggered by gestational change in serum creatinine. Pregnancy-specific e-alert algorithms may be required. However, 1 in 10 women with Pr-AKI had not recovered kidney function on repeat testing. Better understanding of long-term impacts of Pr-AKI on pregnancy and renal outcomes is needed to inform relevant Pr-AKI e-alert thresholds.

Post-partum acute kidney injury: sorting placental and non-placental thrombotic microangiopathies using the trajectory of biomarkers

BACKGROUND

Among the severe complications of preeclampsia (PE), acute kidney injury (AKI) is problematic if features of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) are present. Although a haemolysis enzyme liver low-platelets syndrome is considerably more frequent, it is vital to rule out a flare of atypical haemolytic and uraemic syndrome (aHUS). Our objective was to improve differential diagnosis procedures in post-partum AKI.

METHODS

A total of 105 cases of post-partum AKI, admitted to nine different regional French intensive care units from 2011 to 2015, were analysed. Analysis included initial and final diagnosis, renal features, haemostasis and TMA parameters, with particular focus on the dynamics of each component within the first days following delivery. A classification and regression tree (CART) was used to construct a diagnostic algorithm.

RESULTS

AKI was attributed to severe PE (n = 40), post-partum haemorrhage (n = 33, including 13 renal cortical necrosis) and 'primary' TMA (n = 14, including 10 aHUS and 4 thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura). Congruence between initial and final diagnosis was low (63%). The dynamics of haemoglobin, haptoglobin and liver enzymes were poorly discriminant. In contrast, the dynamic pattern of platelets was statistically different between primary TMA-related AKI and other groups. CART analysis independently highlighted the usefulness of platelet trajectory in the diagnostic algorithm. Limitations of this study include that only the most severe cases were included in this retrospective study, and the circumstantial complexity is high.

CONCLUSION

Trajectory of platelet count between admission and Day 3 helps to guide therapeutic decisions in cases of TMA-associated post-partum AKI. Our study also strongly suggests that during the post-partum period, there may be a risk of transient, slowly recovering TMA in cases of severe endothelial injury in women without a genetic mutation known to induce aHUS.

Why kidneys fail post-partum: a tubulocentric viewpoint

Kidneys may fail post-partum in a number of circumstances due, for example, to post-partum haemorrhage, preeclampsia, amniotic fluid embolism or septic abortion. All these conditions in pregnancy and post partum represent a threat not only to the endothelium but also to the renal tubular epithelium, and as such may lead to rapid and also irreversible impairment of the renal function. This paper is a non-systematic review of the literature and of our experience, in which we discuss the main open issues on kidney disease in pregnancy and following delivery, in particular as regards tubular damage, with the aim to help reasoning on acute kidney injury (AKI) following delivery. The review will emphasize the often under-estimated importance of the tubular epithelium in the peri-partum period and will: (1) describe the main characteristics of the renal tissues around delivery; (2) define pregnancy-related AKI according to recent Kidney Disease/Improving Global Outcome (KDIGO) guidelines; (3) discuss the most common circumstances of post-partum AKI; and (4) describe the input expected from urinalysis, renal imaging and kidney biopsy.

Alport syndrome and pregnancy: a case series and literature review

PURPOSE

To assess pregnancy outcome in women with Alport syndrome and the impact of pregnancy on the disease progression.

METHODS

We describe one of the largest series of pregnancies in Alport syndrome. Seven pregnancies of six women were monitored by a multidisciplinary team of nephrologists and gynecologists. After delivery, patients were followed for at least 3 years. We compare our results with those in the literature.

RESULTS

Pregnancy course was uneventful in the patient with isolated microscopic hematuria. In the other cases, all presenting mild proteinuria at conception, some complications occurred. Proteinuria worsened during the last trimester, reaching nephrotic ranges in five out of six pregnancies and was associated with fluid overload leading to hospitalizations and early delivery. The majority of the newborns had a low birth weight. The two patients with arterial hypertension at conception and twin pregnancy developed pre-eclampsia and renal function deterioration persisted after delivery. The one with pre-pregnancy renal dysfunction reached end-stage renal disease. In the other patients, in which renal function and blood pressure were and remained normal, proteinuria improved after delivery and no signs of disease progression were recorded at last observation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our observations suggest that Alport syndrome should be considered a potential risk factor for pregnancy in proteinuric patients due to the development of pre-eclampsia, renal function deterioration, and/or full-blown nephrotic syndrome that results in anasarca, slowing of fetal growth and pre-term delivery. Thus, all women with Alport syndrome should receive pre-conceptional counseling and be kept in close follow-up during pregnancy.

Pregnancy-related acute kidney injury: An analysis of 165 cases

Pregnancy-related acute kidney injury (PRAKI) contributes to 3–7% of overall acute kidney injury (AKI) cases in Indian subcontinent. The aim of this study was to determine the outcomes of PRAKI and risk factors associated with renal injury and maternal mortality. One hundred and sixty-five patients with PRAKI, seen at M. S. Ramaiah Medical College between 2005 and 2014, were included in this, observational study. AKI was analyzed in terms of maximal stage of renal injury attained as per Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss of function, and End-stage renal disease (RIFLE) criteria. Outcomes included requirement for renal replacement therapy (RRT), maternal, and fetal mortality. Incidence of PRAKI was 1.56%, and the mean age of the study population was 25 years. Fifty percent of the patients were diagnosed with PRAKI during their first pregnancy. PRAKI was observed most commonly in the postpartum period (60%), followed by third trimester (32%); as per RIFLE criteria, failure was seen in 36% and injury in 34%. Thirty percent of cases required RRT. Sepsis (59%), pre-eclampsia, and eclampsia (56%) were the leading causes of PRAKI, while sepsis was the leading cause of maternal mortality. Maternal and fetal mortality were 20% and 22%, respectively. In univariate analysis, shock, hemorrhage requiring transfusion of >5 units packed red blood cells, oliguria, and “Loss” category of RIFLE were significantly associated with mortality. Majority of the patients (57%) required Intensive Care Unit care with a mean duration of admission at 7.3 days, and 75% was diagnosed with AKI at the time of admission. We report the lowest incidence of PRAKI in contemporary Indian literature. PRAKI was associated with high maternal and fetal mortality, with sepsis being the leading cause. No association was noted between mortality and initial stages of RIFLE criteria.

Intensive Care Unit issues in eclampsia and HELLP syndrome

Preeclampsia, eclampsia and HELLP syndrome are life-threatening hypertensive conditions and common causes of ICU admission among obstetric patients The diagnostic criteria of preeclampsia include: 1) systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥90 mmHg on two occasions at least 4 hours apart and 2) proteinuria ≥300 mg/day in a woman with a gestational age of >20 weeks with previously normal blood pressures. Eclampsia is defined as a convulsive episode or altered level of consciousness occurring in the setting of preeclampsia, provided that there is no other cause of seizures. HELLP syndrome is a life-threatening condition frequently associated with severe preeclampsia-eclampsia and is characterized by three hallmark features of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets. Early diagnosis and management of preeclampsia, eclampsia and HELLP syndrome are critical with involvement of a multidisciplinary team that includes Obstetrics, Maternal Fetal Medicine and Critical Care. Expectant management may be acceptable before 34 weeks with close fetal and maternal surveillance and administration of corticosteroid therapy, parenteral magnesium sulfate and antihypertensive management. Worsening condition requires delivery. Complications that can be related to this spectrum of disease include disseminated Intravascular coagulation (DIC), acute respiratory distress syndrome, stroke, acute renal failure, hepatic dysfunction with hepatic rupture or liver hematoma and infection/sepsis.

The impact of fetal growth restriction on latency in the setting of expectant management of preeclampsia

BACKGROUND

Fetal growth restriction is a common complication of preeclampsia. Expectant management for qualifying patients has been found to have acceptable maternal safety while improving neonatal outcomes. Whether fetal growth restriction influences the duration of latency during expectant management of preeclampsia is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to determine whether fetal growth restriction is associated with a reduced interval to delivery in women with preeclampsia being expectantly managed prior to 34 weeks.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a retrospective cohort of singleton, live-born, nonanomalous deliveries at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center between 2008 and 2013. Patients were included in our analysis if they were diagnosed with preeclampsia prior to 34 completed weeks and if the initial management plan was to pursue expectant management beyond administration of steroids for fetal lung maturity. Two study groups were determined based on the presence or absence of fetal growth restriction. Patients were delivered when they developed persistent neurological symptoms, severe hypertension refractory to medical therapy, renal insufficiency, nonreassuring fetal status, pulmonary edema, or hemolysis elevated liver low platelet syndrome or when they reached 37 weeks if they remained stable without any other indication for delivery. Our primary outcome was the interval from diagnosis of preeclampsia to delivery, measured in days. Secondary outcomes included indications for delivery, rates of induction and cesarean delivery, development of severe morbidities of preeclampsia, and select neonatal outcomes. We performed a multivariate logistic regression analysis comparing those with fetal growth restriction with those with normally grown fetuses to determine whether there is an association between fetal growth restriction and a shortened interval to delivery, neonatal intensive care unit admission, prolonged neonatal stay, and neonatal mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 851 patients met the criteria for preeclampsia, of which 199 met inclusion criteria, 139 (69%) with normal growth, and 60 (31%) with fetal growth restriction. Interval to delivery was significantly shorter in women with fetal growth restriction, median (interquartile range) of 3 (1.6) days vs normal growth, 5 (2.12) days, P < .001. The association between fetal growth restriction and latency less than 7 days remained significant, even after post hoc analysis controlling for confounding variables (adjusted odds ratio, 1.66 [95% confidence interval, 1.12-2.47]). There were no differences in the development of severe disease (85.9 vs 91.7%, P = .26), need for intravenous antihypertensive medications (47.1 vs 46.7%, P = .96), and the development of severe complications of preeclampsia (51.1 vs 42.9%, P = .30) in normally grown and growth-restricted fetuses, respectively. Fewer women with fetal growth restriction attained their scheduled delivery date, 3 of 60 (5.0%), compared with normally grown fetuses,12 of 139 (15.7%), P = .03. Admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, neonatal length of stay, and neonatal mortality were higher when there was fetal growth restriction; however, after a logistic regression analysis, these associations were no longer significant.

CONCLUSION

Fetal growth restriction is associated with a shortened interval to delivery in women undergoing expectant management of preeclampsia when disease is diagnosed prior to 34 weeks. These data may be helpful in counseling patients regarding the expected duration of pregnancy, guiding decision making regarding administration of steroids and determining the need for maternal transport.

[Efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid administration for the prevention and/or the treatment of post-partum haemorrhage: a systematic review with meta-analysis]

OBJECTIVE(S)

Assess the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid administration for the prevention and/or the treatment of postpartum haemorrhage.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review with meta-analysis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Systematic review of the literature with the aim of identifying prospective, randomised, controlled trials that assessed the effect of tranexamic acid on peripartum blood loss and transfusion requirement in three clinical contexts: (i) prevention of post-partum haemorrhage in case of elective caesarean section, (ii) prevention of post-partum haemorrhage in case of vaginal delivery, (iii) treatment of post-partum haemorrhage.

RESULTS

Prophylactic administration of tranexamic acid reduced blood loss (mean difference for intraoperative blood loss: -177.9mL, IC 95%: -189.51 to -166.35, total blood loss: -183.94, IC 95%: -198.29 to -169.60), and the incidence of severe post-partum haemorrhage (OR: 0.49, IC 95%: 0.33 to 0.74). None of the published trials assessed the effect of tranexamic acid on blood products administration or transfusion requirement. Only one study assessed and reported the efficacy of tranexamic acid when administered as a treatment for postpartum haemorrhage. A significant reduction in blood loss was reported within 30 minutes after randomisation (P=0.03) and confirmed after 6 hours (median: 170mL (58-323) vs 221mL (110-543), P=0.04). None of the included studies adequately studied the incidence of side effects after tranexamic acid administration.

CONCLUSION

Although tranexamic acid administration seemed to significantly reduce blood loss and the incidence of severe post-partum haemorrhage, further prospective trials are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of tranexamic administration in the treatment of postpartum haemorrhage. Those studies should assess the pharmacokinetic profile and the safety of this drug in pregnant women.

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and the recent increase in obstetric acute renal failure in Canada: population based retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether changes in postpartum haemorrhage, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, or other risk factors explain the increase in obstetric acute renal failure in Canada.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Canada (excluding the province of Quebec).

PARTICIPANTS

All hospital deliveries from 2003 to 2010 (n=2,193,425).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Obstetric acute renal failure identified by ICD-10 diagnostic codes.

METHODS

Information on all hospital deliveries in Canada (excluding Quebec) between 2003 and 2010 (n=2,193,425) was obtained from the Canadian Institute for Health Information. Temporal trends in obstetric acute renal failure were assessed among women with and without postpartum haemorrhage, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, or other risk factors. Logistic regression was used to determine if changes in risk factors explained the temporal increase in obstetric acute renal failure.

RESULTS

Rates of obstetric acute renal failure rose from 1.66 to 2.68 per 10,000 deliveries between 2003-04 and 2009-10 (61% increase, 95% confidence interval 24% to 110%). Adjustment for postpartum haemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, and other factors did not attenuate the increase. The temporal increase in acute renal failure was restricted to deliveries with hypertensive disorders (adjusted increase 95%, 95% confidence interval 38% to 176%), and was especially pronounced among women with gestational hypertension with significant proteinuria (adjusted increase 171%, 71% to 329%). No significant increase occurred among women without hypertensive disorders (adjusted increase 12%, -28 to 72%).

CONCLUSIONS

The increase in obstetric acute renal failure in Canada between 2003 and 2010 was restricted to women with hypertensive disorders and was especially pronounced among women with pre-eclampsia. Further study is required to determine the cause of the increase among women with pre-eclampsia.

End-stage renal disease after hypertensive disorders in pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term postpartum risk of end-stage renal disease in women with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. Although most women with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy recover after delivery, some may experience acute renal failure.

STUDY DESIGN

We searched Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database to identify women with hypertensive disorders in pregnancies and deliveries between 1998 and 2002. All cases were followed for a maximum of 11 years (median, 9 years; interquartile range, 7.79-10.02 years) to estimate the incidence of end-stage renal disease; Cox regression analysis that was adjusted for potential confounding was used to determine the relative risk.

RESULTS

Of the 13,633 women with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, 46 experienced end-stage renal disease. Women with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy had a risk of end-stage renal disease that was 10.64 times greater than did women without them (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.53-15.05). The risk was highest in women with a history of preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension (hazard ratio, 44.72; 95% CI, 22.59-88.51). Women with gestational hypertension had a higher risk of end-stage renal disease than did women without hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (hazard ratio, 5.82; 95% CI, 2.15-15.77).

CONCLUSION

Women with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy have a higher risk of postpartum end-stage renal disease, regardless of which type of hypertensive disorder they have. Women with a history of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy are encouraged to have regular postpartum checkups, especially of renal function.

Twin pregnancy with HELLP syndrome complicated with acute renal failure for emergency cesarean section: An unusual case and its anesthetic management

Acute renal failure is not common in pregnancy. However, the incidence rises when pregnancy is complicated with Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelets (HELLP) syndrome, which itself is a rare occurrence. We had an unusual case of HELLP syndrome in twin pregnancy with deranged renal profile for emergency cesarean section. We report the case, its anesthetic management for emergency cesarean section, and perioperative supportive treatment for acute renal failure.

Multiple pathologies in the kidney biopsy of a recently pregnant woman

We report a 42-year-old woman with underlying hypertension, mild renal dysfunction and proteinuria who presented as an obstetric emergency with uncontrolled hypertension and nephrotic syndrome. The rapid deterioration in her kidney function and worsening of her symptoms led to an urgent termination of her twin pregnancy. Although a clinical improvement was noticed within 10 days, the persistently elevated serum creatinine required further evaluation. A kidney biopsy showed changes consistent with acute tubular necrosis and resolving preeclampsia superimposed on focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and hypertensive kidney disease. The importance of a kidney biopsy in confirming clinical suspicions and determining patient prognosis is emphasized.

[Post-infectious glomerulonephritis: unusual etiology of postpartum acute renal failure]

Severe pre-eclampsia and acute tubular necrosis due to hemorrhagic shock are the major causes of postpartum acute renal failure. Cortical necrosis and haemolytic uraemic syndrome are less frequently. Post-infectious glomerulonephritis as a cause of postpartum acute glomerular disease and renal failure has been rarely reported. We report a patient with postpartum acute glomerulonephritis who presented nephritic syndrome, the diagnosis of which was confirmed by renal biopsy.

Pregnancy-related acute kidney injury: experience of the nephrology unit at the university hospital of fez, morocco

Introduction. Acute kidney injury (PRAKI) continues to be common in developing countries. The aim of this paper is to study AKI characteristics in pregnancy and identify the factors related to the unfavorable evolution. Methods. This prospective study was conducted in the University Hospital Hassan II of Fez, Morocco, from February 01, 2011 to January 31, 2012. All patients presenting PRAKI were included. Results. 37 cases of PRAKI were listed. Their ages varied from 20 to 41 years old, with an average of 29.03 ± 6.3 years and an average parity of 1.83. High blood pressure was the most common symptom (55.6%). Thirty-nine percent were oliguric. PRAKI occurred during the 3rd trimester in 66.6% of the cases and 25% of the cases in the postpartum. Hemodialysis was necessary in 16.2% of cases. The main causes were preeclampsia, hemorrhagic shocks, and functional, respectively, in 66.6%, 25%, and 8.3% of the cases. The outcome was favorable, with a complete renal function recovery for 28 patients. Poor prognosis was related to two factors: age over 38 years and advanced stage of AKI according to RIFLE classification. Conclusion. Prevention of PRAKI requires an improvement of the sanitary infrastructures with the implementation of an obligatory prenatal consultation.

Kidney injury during pregnancy: associated comorbid conditions and outcomes

PURPOSE

To investigate the characteristics of women who have kidney injury during pregnancy.

METHODS

Medical records of all women who gave birth at our institution between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2010, were retrospectively reviewed electronically. We identified those who incurred a kidney injury [defined by modified Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) criteria: serum creatinine (sCr) increase ≥0.3 mg/dL] during pregnancy or within 30 days postpartum. Identified case records were reviewed in detail.

RESULTS

During the study period, 54 women had a kidney injury (0.4 % estimated incidence) with a mean (SD) increase in sCr of 0.46 (0.29) mg/dL; most injuries were AKIN stage 1 with transient increases in sCr. Most of the women (n = 48, 87.3 %) had substantial preexisting or pregnancy-associated comorbid conditions (e.g., kidney disease, hypertension, diabetes), complications (e.g., preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome), or a complicated obstetric course (hemorrhage, infections) that could have contributed to the development of a kidney injury. Two patients had AKIN stage 3 injuries: a previously healthy patient who had a massive hemorrhage during cesarean delivery, and a patient with a renal transplant who had deterioration and eventual postpartum failure of her transplanted kidney.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of pregnancy-associated kidney injuries were transient and occurred in women with substantial comorbid conditions or complicated pregnancies.

Severe pre-eclampsia is associated with abnormal trace elements concentrations in maternal and fetal blood

OBJECTIVE

The study was aimed to compare trace elements concentrations in women with and without severe pre-eclampsia (PE).

METHODS

A prospective case-control study was conducted comparing 43 parturients with severe PE (who received magnesium sulfate [MgSO4]) and 80 healthy parturients and their newborns, matched for gestational age and mode of delivery. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) was used for the determination of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), selenium (Se) and magnesium (Mg) levels in maternal as well as arterial and venous umbilical cord serum.

RESULTS

Zn levels (µg/L) were significantly higher in fetal arterial and venous blood of the PE group (947.3 ± 42.5 vs. 543.1 ± 226, 911.1 ± 220.2 vs. 422.4 ± 145, p < 0.001; respectively). Se levels (µg/L) were significantly lower in maternal and fetal arterial and venous cord blood of the PE group (98.6 ± 24.2, 110.7 ± 19.4, 82 ± 17.8 vs. 111.6 ± 17.6, 82.1 ± 17.4 vs. 107.1 ± 25.7, p < 0.001; respectively). Cu levels (µg/L) were significantly lower in fetal arterial and venous cord blood (581.6 ± 367.4 vs. 949 ± 788.8, p = 0.022, 608.3 ± 418.1 vs. 866.9 ± 812.6, p = 0.001 respectively) but higher in maternal blood (2264.6 ± 751.7 vs. 1048 ± 851.1, p < 0.001). These differences remained significant while controlling for the mode of delivery. Mg levels were significantly higher in the PE group as compared with the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe PE is associated with abnormal concentrations of Zn, Cu and Se. Therefore, trace elements may have a crucial role in the pathogenesis of severe PE.

[Acute renal failure requiring haemodialysis in obstetrics]

Acute renal failure (ARF) requiring hemodialysis is a rare complication of pregnancy in western world, but in developing countries, it is still frequent. The objective of this study was to determine the epidemiology, etiologies, clinical data and outcomes for pregnant women with ARF requiring dialysis. We studied the records of 58 patients with ARF who had needed dialysis in the obstetric intensive care unit of the maternity teaching hospital of Ibn Rochd (Casablanca) between January 1st 2002 and 31st December 2008. Anterior renal diseases and post-renal causes were excluded. Epidemiological, clinical, biological data were recorded, the outcome of patients were studied 1 and 3 months after discharge from hospital. The incidence of ARF in our unit was 9.87 per 10,000 pregnancies; and constitutes 2.49% of all admissions in the obstetric ICU. The mean age and parity were respectively 28±7 years and 2.82. Main aetiology was preeclampsia-eclampsia (39 cases: 67.2%), haemorrhage (15 cases: 25.9%), sepsis (five cases: 8.6%), fetal death, (two cases: 3.6%) and acute fatty liver (one patient: 1.8%). Often, several causes were associated. In one case, we found no evident cause despite radiological imaging and histological exam. Recovery is faster in pre-eclampsia than others causes. The outcomes included renal recovery in 42 cases (72.4%), chronic renal failure in four cases (6.9%). Mortality rate was 13.8% (eight deaths). Preventive and early management of obstetrical complications could improve pregnancy-associated ARF.

The Correlation Between Renal Function and Systolic or Diastolic Blood Pressure in Severe Preeclamptic Women

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the correlation between renal function and systolic or diastolic blood pressure in preeclamptic mothers.

METHODS

In this prospective study from August 1998 to September 2002, 28 women >or= 28 weeks gestation with severe preeclampsia were selected. Meanwhile, 56 normotensive pregnant women without proteinuria or edema served as the control group. Urine was collected for 24 hours for all subjects. The concentration of uric acid, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, sodium, calcium, and albumin in the 24-hour urine and blood of both groups were examined. Neonatal outcome also was evaluated.

RESULTS

The serum and 24-hour urine concentration of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and albumin were significantly higher in severe preeclamptic women. Serum uric acid and urinary albumin/creatinine ratio was significantly higher in severe preeclamptic women compared with that in normotensive mothers and showed positive correlation with systolic or diastolic blood pressure. On the other hand, serum calcium/creatinine ratio was significantly lower in the severe preeclamptic group and negatively correlated to blood pressure. In multiple regressions, systolic or diastolic blood pressure was dependent on serum uric acid, albumin/creatinine, and calcium/creatinine ratios. Fetal birth weight was significantly lower in women with severe preeclampsia and with a lower Apgar score < 7 at 1 minute and 5 minutes and more preterm delivery compared with that in normotensive women.

CONCLUSION

Renal function in women with severe preeclampsia was significantly impaired and highly correlated with systolic or diastolic blood pressure.

Pre-eclampsia and the kidney

Pre-eclampsia is a multisystem disorder that is unique to pregnancy, affecting at least 5% of all gravidas. The mainstay of this diagnosis is a combination of new-onset hypertension and proteinuria. The kidney deserves particular attention because of the physiologic as well as pathologic changes that can affect this vital organ in pregnancy. In fact, there is a major interplay between renal disease and pre-eclampsia. Proteinuria is universal to all cases of pre-eclampsia, yet some cases can progress to acute renal failure. Furthermore, it is well-established that the latter is more frequent in women with underlying renal disease. This chapter reviews the physiologic changes that the human kidney adapts during pregnancy, the impact of pre-eclampsia on the kidney and its function, and the risk of pre-eclampsia in women with chronic renal disease. Two groups that warrant special consideration are pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus and those with history of renal transplantation.

Characteristics of preeclampsia- and eclampsia-related maternal death in rural Haiti

OBJECTIVE

The maternal mortality ratio in Haiti remains one of the highest in the world at 600/100 000 live births. Preeclampsia- and eclampsia-related complications are one of the leading causes of maternal death. In this resource-limited setting, effective, efficient hospital-based interventions are necessary to reduce this risk. Our objective was to assess the utility of common laboratory and clinical admission data for the determination of preeclampsia- and eclampsia-related maternal death.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed an analysis of women presenting to the Hôpital Albert Schweitzer with preeclampsia and eclampsia during a 3-year period. Factors analyzed were: maternal age, parity, gestational age, hematocrit, serum creatinine, urine protein, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, intrauterine fetal death (IUFD), coma on arrival, and address (residence within or outside hospital catchment area). Stepwise logistic regression identified factors predictive of maternal mortality.

RESULTS

Preeclampsia/eclampsia affected 423 of 2295 deliveries (18%) and resulted in 19 deaths. Multivariate analysis identified the following predictors of maternal mortality: IUFD (RR 7.57; 95% CI 2.76-12.69), eclampsia (RR 6.91; 95% CI 2.08-12.64), and oliguria (RR 5.39; 95% CI 1.80-10.69).

CONCLUSION

In this setting, traditional admission laboratory and clinical tests were not useful in maternal mortality prediction. The analysis highlights clinical characteristics of women at highest risk for maternal death.

Acute renal failure in pregnancy

OBJECTIVES

To provide an evidence-based, up-to-date review of the literature regarding the assessment and management of acute renal failure that may affect women during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

DESIGN

A review of the current literature was performed.

RESULTS

Acute renal failure is a rare complication of pregnancy but is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Management requires knowledge of the renal physiologic changes occurring in pregnancy and the relevant diagnoses, both pregnancy-specific and those that may coincidentally occur with pregnancy. In addition, fetal effects must be taken into consideration.

CONCLUSIONS

Ideal care for women with acute renal failure in pregnancy or postpartum requires a multidisciplinary approach that may include maternal-fetal medicine, critical care medicine, nephrology, and neonatology specialists.

Hypertension in pregnancy

Hypertension in pregnancy contributes significantly to both maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Among different forms of pregnancy-associated hypertension, preeclampsia-eclampsia has the highest impact on morbidity and mortality. Chronic hypertension may result in preterm and small for gestational age infants, even when it is mild-to-moderate. Chronic hypertension is a risk factor for superimposed preeclampsia and results in higher rates of adverse outcome. Preeclampsia is a multisystemic disease that is thought to be initiated by abnormalities in placental perfusion and endothelial dysfunction, ultimately resulting in multiorgan failure. Preeclampsia is more common in women of minority ethnicity who are socioeconomically disadvantaged. Pharmacologic therapy for hypertensive disorders in pregnancy is limited by concerns regarding the safety of both mother and fetus. Although treatment of severe hypertension is not debated, there is no consensus on the rationale for pharmacologic therapy of mild-to-moderate hypertension in pregnancy.

Cardiopulmonary complications of pregnancy

OBJECTIVES

To provide an up-to-date review of the literature on the assessment and management of pulmonary and cardiac conditions that may affect women during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

DESIGN

A review of the current literature was performed.

RESULTS

Pregnancy may be complicated by a variety of pregnancy-specific and other cardiopulmonary complications. Management requires knowledge of the cardiopulmonary physiologic changes occurring in pregnancy, the pregnancy-specific conditions that may occur, and the effect of a fetus on maternal care.

CONCLUSIONS

Admission of the pregnant or postpartum woman to the intensive care unit is uncommon but may require specialized knowledge for successful management.

Maternal and fetal outcomes in HELLP syndrome complicated with acute renal failure

OBJECTIVE

This study reviews maternal and fetal outcomes in HELLP syndrome complicated with acute renal failure (ARF), and compares clinical and laboratory findings of the cases of HELLP syndrome that did not develop ARF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All pregnant women with hypertensive disorders admitted or referred to the maternal and fetal unit were recorded into a perinatal database between January 15, 2002 and September 15, 2003. During the study period, out of 615 cases of hypertensive pregnancy, we followed and delivered 347 cases of severe preeclampsia, of them 132 cases were diagnosed as HELLP syndrome. ARF was defined as creatinine level > or =1.2 mg/dL and/or oliguria <400 mL/24 hr. The cases were divided into three groups on the basis of the highest creatinine level recorded during hospitalization: creatinine <1.2 mg/dL, creatinine > or =1.2 to 2.0 mg/dL, and creatinine > or =2.0 mg/dL. Statistical comparisons were performed by Student t test, X2 analysis, and Fisher's Exact test as appropriate. The value of P < .05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

ARF developed in 8.9% (n:31) of severe preeclampsia (n:347); of them, 15 (4.3%) cases were nonoliguric, and all had mildly elevated creatinine levels between 1.2 and 1.9 mg/dL. Moderately elevated creatinine levels were 2 to 3.9 mg/dL in 10 cases, and severely elevated creatinine levels were 4 to 8.4 mg/dL in 6 cases, for a total of 16 (4.6%) cases; creatinine levels were > or =2.0 mg/dL (range: 2.0-8.4 mg/dL). HELLP syndrome was the most frequent cause of ARF, 64.5% (n:20/31), and was observed in 15% (n:20) of 132 cases of HELLP syndrome. Fourteen (88%) of 16 cases that had oliguria and creatinine levels > or =2 mg/dL were detected in HELLP syndrome (n:14/132; 10.6%). Major maternal complications in HELLP syndrome with ARF and creatinine level > or =2 mg/dL in the study group were abruptio placentae (42.8%; n:6/14), incisional hematoma (21%; n:3/14), pulmonary edema (14%; n:2/14), cesarean hysterectomy (7%; n: 1/14), and dialysis (50%; n:7/14). There was no maternal mortality. All patients complicated with ARF were discharged without renal impairment. Perinatal mortality was 26.1% in the cases of HELLP syndrome with ARF-creatinine > or =1.2 mg/dL and further increased to 37.5% when creatinine levels were above 2.0 mg/dL, compared with 11.8% in the cases having creatinine <2.0 mg/dL, and the difference was statistically significant (p:.007).

CONCLUSIONS

The most contributing factors leading to ARF in HELLP syndrome were abruptio placentae and HELLP syndrome complicated with ARF, particularly, oliguric ARF has relatively higher maternal complications and perinatal mortality.

Lysosomal enzymes in preeclamptic women in northern Nigeria

BACKGROUND

The incidence of preeclampsia is high in northern Nigeria, as it is in many other developing countries, and preeclampsia is associated with significant maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. We inquired if proteinuria or hypertension alone could account for the altered concentrations of urinary lysosomal hydrolases that have been reported in preeclamptic women and pregnant women without preeclampsia.

METHODS

The activities of urinary beta-hexosaminidase and beta-galactosidase were determined fluorometrically in pregnant women assigned to one of four groups: Group I: 41 preeclamptic women; Group II: 31 hypertensive aproteinuric women; Group III: 44 normotensive proteinuric women; and Group IV: 52 healthy pregnant women (controls).

RESULTS

The urinary beta-hexosaminidase concentrations were decreased in the preeclamptic women (P<0.005) and proteinuric women (P<0.001) when compared to the healthy pregnant controls. There was no significant difference in beta-hexosaminidase concentrations between the hypertensive women and the healthy pregnant controls. The urinary beta-galactosidase concentrations for preeclamptic, hypertensive, and proteinuric women did not differ significantly versus healthy pregnant controls.

CONCLUSIONS

The reduced urinary excretion of beta-hexosaminidase in preeclamptic women is associated with proteinuria, but not hypertension. Measuring urinary concentrations of lysosomal hydrolases alone or in conjunction with urinary protein concentrations is not likely to be useful in predicting or monitoring the clinical course of preeclampsia; however, it might prove important in gaining a more complete understanding of the pathogenesis of renal tubular epithelial cell injury and proteinuria that occurs in preeclampsia.

Comparison of the efficacy of continuous furosemide and low-dose dopamine infusion in preeclampsia/eclampsia-related oliguria in the immediate postpartum period

AIM

To compare the efficacy of furosemide infusion with that of low-dose dopamine infusion in improving urine output and subsequent renal function in preeclamptic/eclamptic patients with oliguria in the immediate postpartum period.

DESIGN

Prospective randomised single blind clinical trial.

SETTING

Obstetric High Care Unit of King Edward VIII Hospital, a large referral tertiary hospital.

METHOD

Eighty postpartum patients with severe preeclampsia/eclampsia with oliguria were enrolled. Hypovolaemia was corrected under central venous pressure (CVP) monitoring and urine output monitored for 4 hr. Patients who remained oliguric were randomly assigned to a continuous infusion of low-dose dopamine (3 microg/kg/min), or furosemide 5 mg/hr infusion, for 12 hr. In patients with no response after 12 hr, the drugs were switched and continued for a further 12 hr. A subgroup of patients who responded 4 hr after correction of hypovolaemia was observed for 12 hr. The primary outcome measured involved the comparison in urine output between the different drug regimes and the number of patients requiring haemodialysis. Secondary outcome measures involved assessment of serum urea and creatinine values in the two treatment groups.

RESULTS

Of the 80 patients enrolled, 20 improved their urine outputs within the 4-hr observation period. Sixty patients were randomised to furosemide or low-dose dopamine infusion. There was no statistical significant difference in the mean hourly urine output, rate of change in urine output over time and the mean urea or creatinine levels between the treatment groups. Ten percent of patients that failed on furosemide primarily, and 8.5% of patients that failed on initial low-dose dopamine, received haemodialysis. The difference in demographic and clinic data between these groups was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Administration of continuous infusion of furosemide showed comparable efficacy to low-dose dopamine infusion in ameliorating oliguria in severe preeclampsia/eclampsia post delivery; there was no difference in the percentage of patients that required haemodialysis in either group.

Renal disease in pregnancy

Anatomic and physiologic adaptations within the renal system during pregnancy are significant. Alterations are seen in renal blood flow and glomerular filtration, resulting in changes in normal renal laboratory values. When these normal renal adaptations are coupled with pregnancy-induced complications or preexisting renal dysfunction, the woman may demonstrate a reduction of renal function leading to an increased risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality. This article will review normal pregnancy adaptations of the renal system and discuss common pregnancy-related renal complications.

Acute renal failure complicating severe preeclampsia requiring admission to an obstetric intensive care unit

OBJECTIVE

To determine risk factors and outcomes for women with severe preeclampsia and renal failure.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study from 1995 to 1998 of all women with renal failure who were admitted to the obstetric intensive care unit at Groote Schuur Hospital, South Africa. A total of 89 women were identified with severe preeclampsia defined as blood pressure > or = 160/110 mm Hg and > or = 2+ proteinuria, renal failure defined as a creatinine level of > or = 1.13 mg/dL, and oliguria defined as < 100 mL urine produced in 4 hours; 72 charts were available for analysis. A comparison was made between the 3 groups, which were defined by the maximum recorded creatinine levels.

RESULTS

Of the 72 women, 31 women (43%) were primiparous and 41 (57%) were multiparous. Median gestation at delivery was 32 weeks (range, 21-40 weeks). The median maximum creatinine was 3.85 mg/dL (range, 1.13-12.50 mg/dL). Twelve women (16%) had a history of chronic renal disease or hypertension, and 36 women (50%) had HELLP syndrome and 23 (32%) abruptio placentae. All women with severe renal impairment had either abruptio placentae or hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome. Perinatal mortality was 38% (27/72). However, in this series only 7 women (10%) required dialysis in the short term and none required long-term dialysis or kidney transplant. There were no maternal deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

In women with severe preeclampsia and renal failure, major obstetric complications were common and perinatal outcome was poor. However, the need for dialysis was infrequent, with only 10% women requiring transient dialysis, and there were no cases of chronic renal failure that required dialysis or kidney transplant.

Risk factors for maternal death in patients with severe preeclampsia and eclampsia

OBJECTIVES: to determine the principal death causes in patients with severe preeclampsia/eclampsia and identify related risk factors. METHODS: a case-control study was performed comprising all cases of maternal death (n = 20) in patients with severe preeclampsia or eclampsia (n = 2.541). 80 controls (survivors) were randomly selected. The odds ratio and an estimate of maternal death relative risk were determined, and a multiple logistic regression analysis performed to determine the adjusted odds ratio. RESULTS: the basic causes for death were: acute pulmonary edema, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, hemorrhagic shock, pulmonary embolism, acute renal failure, sepsis and three cases of undetermined causes of death. The principal risk factors were: age > 25 years old, multiparity, gestational age < 32 weeks, lack of prenatal care, diastolic pressure > 110mmHg, convulsions, chronic systemic arterial hypertension, HELLP syndrome, pulmonary edema, normally inserted abruptio placenta, disseminated intravascular coagulation, acute renal failure. Variables persistently related to maternal death were: HELLP syndrome, eclampsia, acute pulmonary edema, eclampsia, chronic hypertension and lack of prenatal care. CONCLUSIONS: the principal risk factors for death in women with preeclampsia/eclampsia are the lack of prenatal care, associated to chronic hypertension, HELLP syndrome, eclampsia and acute pulmonary edema.

Safety of labor epidural anesthesia for women with severe hypertensive disease. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine whether epidural anesthesia during labor increased the frequencies of cesarean delivery, pulmonary edema, and renal failure among women with severe hypertensive disease.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a secondary retrospective analysis of a subgroup population within a multicenter double-blind trial of low-dose aspirin therapy for women at high risk for development of preeclampsia. Subjects in whom severe hypertensive disease developed were selected. The primary outcomes were the overall frequencies of cesarean delivery among women with severe hypertensive disease who had labor with and without epidural anesthesia. Other maternal and neonatal outcomes were also compared between women who did and did not receive epidural anesthesia.

RESULTS

Among the women with severe hypertensive disease (n = 444) 327 had labor. Among the women with severe disease who had labor there was no difference in either the overall cesarean delivery rate (32.1% vs 28.0%; P =.44) or the rate of cesarean delivery for fetal distress or failure to progress (27.8% vs 22.0%; P =.26) between women who did and did not receive epidural analgesia. Women with chronic hypertension were more likely to have a cesarean delivery overall if they received epidural anesthesia, but there was otherwise no difference in the frequencies of cesarean delivery for these indications between women with and without epidural anesthesia within each of the high-risk groups. Pulmonary edema was rare and acute renal failure did not develop in any women.

CONCLUSION

Epidural anesthesia use did not increase the frequencies of cesarean delivery, pulmonary edema, and renal failure among women with severe hypertensive disease.

Hypertension in pregnancy: current concepts of preeclampsia

Hypertensive disorders (gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, chronic hypertension, superimposed preeclampsia) are the most common medical complications of pregnancy and constitute a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Prediction of those women destined to develop preeclampsia remains elusive. The benefits of calcium supplementation for prevention of preeclampsia are encouraging; however, the definitive study is not yet complete. Aspirin therapy for high-risk has not been helpful; results of therapy for high-risk women are pending. More experience is being gained with antihypertensive therapy and expectant management in severe preeclampsia. Conservative management of severe preeclampsia, when performed in a tertiary care center, may benefit a select group of women and their fetuses.

Prevention of pregnancy-induced hypertension by calcium dietary supplement: a preliminary report

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to clarify whether the taking of a calcium dietary supplement is able to prevent the development of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) in Japanese people.

STUDY DESIGN

Forty-five nulliparous women (Ca-group) with various high-risk factors for PIH started to take a calcium supplement (1 g/day in the form of calcium salts) from the 12th gestational week (GW). Obstetrical outcome of Ca-group was compared to that of the nullipara (n = 453) who did not take a calcium supplement during pregnancy (Non-Ca Group) and that of the nullipara (n = 413) who did not develop PIH among Non-Ca group (normotensive group).

RESULTS

The incidence of PIH in the Ca-group was 2.2%, compared to 8.8% of Non-Ca group. The decrease in blood pressure after taking calcium during the first half of the pregnancy was much greater in Ca-group than in the normotensive group. The urinary excretion of sodium and calcium and serum free calcium at the 28th GW were much lower in a woman with PIH, despite of the taking of a calcium supplement, than in the normotensive calcium group. Also, the parathyroid hormone level at the 28th GW was higher in the calcium-taking woman with PIH than in the normotensive calcium group.

CONCLUSION

Our preliminary study suggests that among the possible effects of taking a calcium supplement are a decrease in blood pressure and the prevention of PIH in Japanese people, and that calcium metabolism might be related to the development of PIH. However, more study is needed before it will be possible to reach a final conclusion.

Prediction of pregnancy-induced hypertension by isometric exercise

The purpose of this study is to evaluate an isometric exercise (Hand-Grip test) as a method to predict pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). One hundred and twenty-five pregnant women were given the Hand-Grip (HG) test before the 15th gestational week. The Hand-Grip test was rated positive when the systolic blood pressure increased 15 mmHg or more during isometric exercise or decreased 14 mmHg or more immediately after isometric exercise. As a result, the Hand-Grip test had the highest sensitivity (81.8%) and specificity (68.4%) for predicting PIH, compared to other risk factors. The positive predictive value was 20% (second highest among risk factors, the actual incidence of hypertension was 8.8%), and the negative predictive value was 97.5% (highest). In conclusion, by use of a very simple Hand-Grip test early in gestation, we are able to predict PIH with the highest sensitivity.

Acute renal failure in pregnancy

Acute renal failure (ARF) has become a very rare complication of pregnancy. This results from the virtual disappearance of septic abortion ARF and from the improvement of prenatal care, including the prevention of volume contraction which is mainly due to uterine haemorrhage, early diagnosis, and treatment of other classic maternal complications such as pre-eclampsia and acute pyelonephritis. The incidence of bilateral renal cortical necrosis has also been declining during the last decade. Acute fatty liver, a potentially fatal disease, is often complicated by ARF. Early recognition of this disorder, with prompt termination of pregnancy and intensive supportive therapy, can reduce fetal and maternal mortality rate. The syndrome of idiopathic postpartum renal failure is also associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Beyond supportive treatment, including haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis and the use of potent antihypertensive drugs to control blood pressure and blood transfusion if necessary, specific therapy as plasma infusion, plasma exchange and antiplatelet drugs may be of value. Both peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis may be used in gravidas with ARF. Early 'prophylactic' dialysis should be applied to pregnant women. Careful monitoring of fluid balance and anticoagulation is necessary during dialysis.

Prevention of preeclampsia with low-dose aspirin in healthy, nulliparous pregnant women. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Network of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units

BACKGROUND

Although low-dose aspirin has been reported to reduce the incidence of preeclampsia among women at high risk for this complication, its efficacy and safety in healthy, nulliparous pregnant women are not known.

METHODS

We studied 3135 normotensive nulliparous women who were 13 to 26 weeks pregnant to determine whether treatment with aspirin reduced the incidence of preeclampsia. Of this group, 1570 women received 60 mg of aspirin per day and 1565 received placebo for the remainder of their pregnancies. We also evaluated the effect of aspirin on maternal and neonatal morbidity.

RESULTS

Of the original group of 3135 women, 2985 (95 percent) were followed throughout pregnancy and the immediate puerperium. The incidence of preeclampsia was lower in the aspirin group (69 of 1485 women [4.6 percent]) than in the placebo group (94 of 1500 women [6.3 percent]) (relative risk, 0.7; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.6 to 1.0; P = 0.05), whereas the incidence of gestational hypertension was 6.7 and 5.9 percent, respectively. There were no significant differences in the infants' birth weight or in the incidence of fetal growth retardation, postpartum hemorrhage, or neonatal bleeding problems between the two groups. Subgroup analysis showed that preeclampsia occurred primarily in women whose initial systolic blood pressure was 120 to 134 mm Hg (incidence among such women, 5.6 percent in the aspirin group vs. 11.9 percent in the placebo group; P = 0.01). The incidence of abruptio placentae was greater among the women who received aspirin (11 women, vs. 2 in the placebo group; P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Low-dose aspirin decreases the incidence of preeclampsia among nulliparous women, primarily through its effect in those who have elevated systolic blood pressure initially. This treatment does not decrease perinatal morbidity but increases the risk of abruptio placentae.

A prospective comparison of two endogenous creatinine clearance testing methods in hospitalized hypertensive gravid women

OBJECTIVE

Although 24-hour endogenous creatinine clearance testing is common in pregnancies complicated by hypertension, inaccuracies limit its usefulness. We controlled the conditions under which 4-hour endogenous creatinine clearance testing was performed and compared the results with outcomes of 24-hour tests from the same patients.

STUDY DESIGN

In 83 women hospitalized with mild hypertension in the third trimester, we measured endogenous creatinine clearance with a 4-hour urine collection during lateral recumbency and supervised oral hydration. This test was paired with a 24-hour test performed immediately thereafter. No restrictions or recommendations regarding ambulation or oral intake were imposed for the 24-hour test.

RESULTS

The 4-hour endogenous creatinine clearance value exceeded the 24-hour value in 133 of the 136 paired comparisons (p < 0.0001). Results of the tests from only the 29 patients with multiple paired tests showed more similarity (p < 0.005) among the 4-hour than among the 24-hour clearances.

CONCLUSION

The 4-hour endogenous creatinine clearance test, as described, provides a higher and less variable estimate of renal function in hypertensive pregnant women than does the 24-hour test.

Acute renal failure in pregnancies complicated by hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to describe maternal-perinatal outcome, subsequent pregnancy outcome, and long-term prognosis after hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets and acute renal failure.

STUDY DESIGN

Thirty-two patients with this complication were studied in the index pregnancy and were subsequently followed for an average of 4.5 years. Six patients had preexisting hypertension, and 26 were normotensive during the index pregnancy.

RESULTS

There were four maternal deaths (13%), 27 (84%) had disseminated intravascular coagulation, 14 (44%) had pulmonary edema, and 10 (31%) required dialysis. The perinatal mortality rate was 34%, and 72% of births were preterm. Eight normotensive women had 11 subsequent pregnancies, only one complicated by preeclampsia. Four hypertensive women had six subsequent pregnancies; three were complicated by severe preeclampsia and fetal death (one complicated by hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets and one by renal failure). None of 23 surviving normotensive women had residual renal damage or hypertension on follow-up, whereas two of five hypertensive women required chronic dialysis.

CONCLUSION

These findings should be used in counseling these patients regarding the index pregnancy and future pregnancies.