Abstract: Background: Preeclampsia is diagnosed by elevated blood pressure (≥140/90 mm Hg on two occasions 4 hours apart or ≥160/110 mm Hg) after 20 weeks of gestation. Its etiology is linked to abnormal placentation and risk factors such as nulliparity, advanced maternal age, and comorbidities. Common symptoms include persistent headaches, visual impairments, upper abdominal pain, and hypertension. This study aims to assess the impact of preeclampsia on various biochemical markers in comparison to healthy pregnant women.
Methods: A prospective case-control study was conducted at the Basrah Maternity and Children Hospital from October 1, 2023, to March 31, 2023. It involved 50 preeclamptic women and 50 healthy pregnant women, matched for age and parity. Data collection included interviews, clinical examinations, and blood tests assessing complete blood count (CBC), renal and liver function, uric acid, glucose, and urine protein levels.
Results: indicated no significant difference in age between groups (p = 0.061), but 56% of women with preeclampsia had no antenatal care (p = 0.015) and exhibited a lower gestational age (p = 0.009). Systolic (150.36 vs. 118.2) and diastolic blood pressures (107.48 vs. 79.62) were significantly higher in the preeclamptic group (p = 0.001). Additionally, preeclamptic women had a higher BMI (28.6 vs. 25.7, p = 0.012), lower platelet count (175.8 vs. 285.91, p = 0.001), elevated serum uric acid (8.1 vs. 5.12, p = 0.036), and higher liver enzyme levels (p<0.05).
Conclusion: preeclampsia is associated with systemic effects, including elevated liver enzymes, reduced platelets, and increased uric acid. Blood pressure, BMI, and antenatal care significantly influence preeclampsia outcomes. Early detection and prenatal care are essential to improving maternal and fetal health.
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