A Retrospective Evaluation of Perinatal Outcomes in Pregnant Women With Isolated Gestational Proteinuria

Objective This study aimed to examine the role of demographic characteristics and laboratory findings in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes among pregnant women with isolated gestational proteinuria. Methods This single-center retrospective study reviewed records of pregnant women diagnosed with gestational proteinuria at the Umraniye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, between January 2010 and December 2023. Women with isolated gestational proteinuria were grouped based on subsequent adverse perinatal outcomes. Demographic characteristics and laboratory parameters at the gestational week of initial proteinuria detection were analyzed. Results A total of 125 women met the inclusion criteria. Among them, 57 (45.6%) experienced no adverse outcomes, whereas 68 (54.4%) developed at least one complication. Outcomes included preeclampsia (n = 20), isolated fetal growth restriction (FGR) (n = 29), small for gestational age (SGA) (n = 3), isolated preterm birth without concomitant pregnancy-related complications (n = 10), and placental abruption (n = 8), with two cases involving both preeclampsia and subsequent placental abruption. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level was significantly higher in the preeclampsia group than in the group without adverse perinatal outcomes (p = 0.025). Proteinuria was detected earlier in gestation in the placental abruption group than in the group without adverse perinatal outcomes (p = 0.012). BUN and serum creatinine levels were significantly higher in the placental abruption group than in the group without adverse perinatal outcomes (p = 0.019 and p = 0.009, respectively). Conclusions In women with isolated gestational proteinuria, elevated BUN levels may serve as an early predictor of preeclampsia. Additionally, elevations in BUN and serum creatinine levels may each serve as independent early predictors of placental abruption. Earlier detection of proteinuria appears to be more strongly associated with subsequent placental abruption.