Perinatal outcomes in severe preeclamptic women between 24-33(+6) weeks' gestation.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was undertaken to determine perinatal and maternal outcomes in severe preeclamptic women between 24-33-week gestation and compare the outcomes between expectant and aggressive management.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective descriptive study of 99 women with severe preeclampsia between 24-33(+6)-week gestation who delivered at the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital from January 2002 to December 2005 was included. The outcomes were analyzed according to the gestational age at the time of admission (< 28 weeks' and > or = 28 weeks' gestation) according to expectant compared with aggressive management. Statistical analysis was performed by student t-test and chi2-test.

RESULTS: The perinatal morbidity and mortality were significantly high in the gestational age < 28 weeks group. There were 11 perinatal deaths, 8 in those managed at < 28 weeks and 3 in those managed at 28-29 weeks' gestation (p < 0.05). Maternal morbidities were similar among both groups. There was no maternal death.

CONCLUSION: Delivery at remote from term, especially < 2-week gestation, increases neonatal morbidity and mortality in severe preeclamptic women. Expectant management should be done in the tertiary care center with close maternal and fetal monitering.