Beyond Bump: Study evaluates The Hidden Dangers of Preeclampsia in Pregnancy

Recent study aimed to assess the incidence, trends, and adverse outcomes of preeclampsia (PE) in Hebei, China, analyzing whether outcomes differ based on parity and type of pregnancy (twin or singleton). PE is a serious pregnancy condition linked to maternal mortality and perinatal morbidity globally. The study utilized data from the Hebei Maternal Near Miss Surveillance System, covering 455,456 pregnant women from 2013 to 2022. PE prevalence was 2.91%, with higher rates in twins (12.67%) compared to singletons (2.76%). Incidences varied by parity, with 3.15% in primiparas and 2.69% in multiparas.

Research Results

Results showed an increasing trend in PE incidence, especially in primiparas, whereas rates in twins remained stable. PE cases experienced higher risks of adverse outcomes like cesarean section, postpartum hemorrhage, and neonatal complications. Primiparas with PE were more prone to adverse outcomes compared to multiparas. Notably, PE in twins did not significantly increase adverse outcomes compared to singletons.

Study Emphasis

The study emphasized the significance of identifying subtypes and tailored management strategies for PE to improve outcomes. Factors contributing to PE incidence trends included economic and healthcare development, China's fertility policy changes, and potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal health. Statistical analysis included Joint Point Regression Program to assess PE trends, highlighting a notable increase in PE incidences over the study period. Multivariate Poisson regression analyses were employed to evaluate adverse pregnancy outcomes in PE subgroups. The study's strengths encompassed a large sample size, multicenter design, and comprehensive analysis of PE-related outcomes. However, limitations included the lack of detailed treatment protocols and information on various factors potentially impacting outcomes, such as COVID-19 history, lifestyle behaviors, and genetic predispositions. In conclusion, the study findings provide crucial insights into PE trends, risk factors, and adverse outcomes, emphasizing the importance of tailored management strategies based on parity and pregnancy type. These results contribute to enhancing the understanding of PE implications for pregnancy care and interventions. The study's comprehensive analysis adds valuable information to the global research on PE, guiding future strategies for risk assessment and management of this serious pregnancy condition.

Key Points

- The study analyzed the prevalence, trends, and adverse outcomes of preeclampsia (PE) in Hebei, China, using data from the Hebei Maternal Near Miss Surveillance System, involving 455,456 pregnant women from 2013 to 2022.

- The incidence of PE was 2.91%, with higher rates observed in twin pregnancies (12.67%) compared to singleton pregnancies (2.76%), and variations were noted based on parity, with 3.15% in primiparas and 2.69% in multiparas.

- Results indicated an increasing trend in PE incidence over time, particularly in primiparas, while rates in twins remained stable. Women with PE were at increased risk of adverse outcomes like cesarean section, postpartum hemorrhage, and neonatal complications, with primiparas experiencing more adverse outcomes than multiparas.

- The study highlighted the importance of identifying subtypes of PE and implementing tailored management strategies to improve outcomes. Various factors influencing PE trends were explored, such as economic development, changes in fertility policies, and potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal health.

- Statistical analyses included Joint Point Regression Program to evaluate PE trends, revealing a significant increase in PE incidences. Multivariate Poisson regression analyses were used to assess adverse pregnancy outcomes in different PE subgroups.

- The study's strengths included a large sample size, multicenter design, and comprehensive analysis of PE-related outcomes. However, limitations included the absence of detailed treatment protocols and data on factors like COVID-19 history, lifestyle behaviors, and genetic predispositions that could potentially affect outcomes. The findings offer valuable insights for enhancing the management of PE based on parity and pregnancy type, contributing to global research on PE implications for pregnancy care and interventions.

Reference –

Runfang Wang et al. (2025). Trends And Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Associated With Preeclampsia: A Multi-Centre Cross-Sectional Study In Hebei, China. *BMC Pregnancy And Childbirth*, 25. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-025-07609-w.