Fetal and maternal outcome following expectant management of severe pre-eclampsia remote from term
Background: Expectant management of severe preeclampsia, remote from term is often a difficult decision. Maternal and foetal complications may occur while trying to achieve a more favourable perinatal outcome. We wanted to find out the foetal and maternal outcomes of expectant management in these women.Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted at Government Medical College, Thrissur, India between May 2013 and April 2015. Women with severe preeclampsia remote from term, who were admitted, managed expectantly and delivered in our hospital during the study period, were recruited. The study subjects were grouped into: Group A (between 28 weeks and 31 weeks 6 days) and Group B (between 32 weeks and 33 weeks 6 days). A structured proforma was used to collect demographic and clinical details. The maternal and foetal outcomes were noted.Results: There were 4786 deliveries during the study period. Among them 76 (1.58% of total deliveries) women with severe preeclampsia between 28 weeks and 33-week 6 days gestation on expectant management were included in the study. The mean duration of expectant management was 7.92 days in group A (27 women) and 6.67 days in group B (49 women). Most women required termination of pregnancy for foetal distress (36.8%). HELLP syndrome and imminent eclampsia were the maternal complications that occurred. Perinatal loss was significantly more in Group A when compared to Group B.Conclusions: Expectant management of women with severe preeclampsia remote from term, especially between 32weeks and 33weeks 6 days, with antenatal corticosteroids and close monitoring, seems a reasonable option in developing countries.