Expectant management of severe preeclampsia and preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension between 24 and 34 weeks' gestation.

BACKGROUND: Timing of delivery is difficult to judge in preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the differences of maternal and perinatal outcome of patients with severe preeclampsia and essential hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia, with expectant management at 24-34 weeks' gestation.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of a conservative regime using intravenous magnesium sulfate, glucocorticoids and antihypertensive drugs, monitored by serial liver function tests, full blood count, coagulation profile, and renal function tests. Fetal status was assessed by daily non-stress test and ultrasound twice by week.

RESULTS: A total number of 100 women had severe preeclampsia and 29 superimposed preeclampsia. The average pregnancy prolongation was 8.4 and 8.5 days, respectively. Oliguria, abruption placentae and HELLP syndrome were frequent complications similar in each group. There were no cases of eclampsia or disseminated coagulopathy in either group. The total neonatal survival rate was 93% in both groups.

CONCLUSION: Expectant management is equally safe in both superimposed preeclampsia and severe preeclampsia of early onset.