Fetal Hypotrophy Is an Important Marker in Diagnosis of Preeclampsia in Pregnant Patients After Solid Organ Transplantation

Ann Transplant. 2017 Jun 20:22:370-377. doi: 10.12659/aot.902053.

Abstract

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to use a multidisciplinary approach to define the importance of fetal growth disturbances in pregnant patients after renal or liver transplantation in diagnosis and treatment of preeclampsia. MATERIAL AND METHODS We assessed 108 pregnancies in patients with renal or liver transplants. Statistical analysis included Pearson's chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS In the renal transplant (RTR) group, preeclampsia was diagnosed in 40% according to ISSHP. In the liver transplant (LTR) group, ISSHP guidelines allow this diagnose in 14.6% of patients. Intrauterine fetal hypotrophy occurred in 53.3% of RTR patients with clinical symptoms of preeclampsia and in none of stabile patients. Premature delivery rate was 40% in patients with hypotrophy and only in 15.5% without. For LTR patients, hypotrophy was diagnosed in 16.4% patients with clinical symptoms of preeclampsia and in 12.7% of stabile patients. Premature delivery rate was 14.5% in patients with hypotrophy and in 14.5% without. CONCLUSIONS Fetal hypotrophy is strongly associated with premature delivery and risk of preeclampsia in pregnancies after renal transplantation. There is a need for including ultrasound findings in diagnostic criteria of preeclampsia. Fetal growth monitoring may help in prediction of premature delivery in these group.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Fetal Growth Retardation / diagnosis*
  • Fetal Growth Retardation / etiology
  • Humans
  • Kidney Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Liver Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis*
  • Pre-Eclampsia / diagnosis*
  • Pre-Eclampsia / etiology
  • Pregnancy