Women with severe pre-eclampsia or eclampsia more likely to have abnormal Cerebroplacental Ratio: Study

Study enrolled 128 women with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, with a mean age of 28 8±6 3 years. Of these, 67 (52.3%) had abnormal CPR. The factors associated with abnormal CPR were severe pre-eclampsia (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR): 5.0, 95% CI: 1.28, 29.14) and eclampsia (aPR: 5.27, 95% CI: 1.11, 34.27).

This cross-sectional study determined the prevalence and factors associated with abnormal CPR among pregnant women with hypertensive disorders at a tertiary hospital in a low-resource setting in southwestern Uganda. Authors found that more than half (52.3%) of the women with HDP had abnormal CPR. Additionally, severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia were independently associated with abnormal CPR by fivefold compared to gestational hypertension. Taken together, these findings build on prior studies in the setting that have documented high rates of adverse perinatal outcomes among women with HDP and highlight the need to implement routine obstetric Doppler studies with CPR assessment among women with HDP. These findings could guide the management of women with these conditions and aid in interventions to optimize perinatal outcomes.

This study highlights a high prevalence of abnormal CPR among women with HDP. Pregnant women with severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia are more likely to have abnormal CPR. Obstetric Doppler studies with CPR maybe considered for the assessment of pregnant women with HDP, prioritizing those with severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. Authors recommend further research to assess perinatal outcomes among those with and without abnormal CPR to profile women with HDP at increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes, which could aid in early intervention to improve outcomes. A matched case-control study with participants matched especially in terms of gestational age may also be considered to show an association between pre-eclampsia and abnormal CPR.