Does immediate postpartum curettage of the endometrium accelerate recovery from preeclampsia-eclampsia? A randomized controlled trial

Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2013 Nov;288(5):1035-8. doi: 10.1007/s00404-013-2866-0. Epub 2013 May 5.

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of immediate postpartum curettage on rapid resolution of clinical and laboratory indices in pre-eclampsia and eclampsia women.

Methods: A randomized controlled study, comprised of 420 pre-eclamptic or eclamptic women with singleton pregnancy 24 weeks gestation and more. Patients were divided into two groups: 220 patients underwent immediate postpartum curettage and 200 patients as a control group.

Results: The clinical and laboratory prenatal parameters showed no statistical significant differences between both groups. The follow-up for the postnatal clinical and laboratory data showed significant improvement for the mean arterial blood pressure in the curettage group over 6, 12, and 24 h after delivery and significant improvement in the platelet count as well. The average time required for MAP to reach 105 mmHg or less was significantly shorter (P < 0.05) in the curettage group (40 ± 3.15 h) than the control group (86 ± 5.34 h). Two patients in the curettage group developed convulsions versus 11 patients in the control group within the first 24 h after delivery. No maternal mortalities were reported in both groups.

Conclusion: Immediate postpartum curettage is a safe and effective procedure and can accelerate recovery from pre-eclampsia or eclampsia.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Retracted Publication

MeSH terms

  • Arterial Pressure
  • Curettage*
  • Eclampsia / physiopathology*
  • Eclampsia / surgery*
  • Endometrium / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Platelet Count
  • Postpartum Period
  • Pre-Eclampsia / physiopathology*
  • Pre-Eclampsia / surgery*
  • Pregnancy
  • Time Factors