Preeclampsia: Postpartum Resolution of Hypertension, Proteinuria and Serum N-terminal B-type Natriuretic Peptide

Background: Postpartum persistent proteinuria and hypertension (HT) is associated with development of chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease in later life. AIMS & OBJECTIVES: To evaluate blood pressure, proteinuria and serum NT-pro-BNP in proteinuric preeclamptic (PE) women and study their postpartum resolution till 3 months and determine the associated risk factors. Material and methods: 100 PE women enrolled included 66 women with mild (group A) and 34 with severe PE (group B). BP, urinary protein:creatinine(P/C) ratio, S.NT-pro-BNP were evaluated at labor room admission, postpartum day 1, 6 weeks and 3 months. Results: Group B women had significant higher baseline BP, urine P/C ratio and S. NT-pro-BNP compared to group A. Resolution of BP, proteinuria and S. NT-pro-BNP was complete in group A women at 6 weeks postpartum. Persistent hypertension was observed in 25 and 4 women at postpartum 6 weeks and 3 months respectively. Proteinuria persisted in 25 and 10 women at postpartum 6 weeks and 3 months respectively. Resolution of NT-pro-BNP was complete at 3 months. In logistic regression model persisting hypertension and proteinuria at 3 months was correlated with increasing age, higher BMI and lower gestational age at delivery. Negative predictive value of 100% was observed with baseline P/C ratio <5, BP <120 mm Hg diastolic and S.NT-pro-BNP <1000 pg/mL for development of persistent proteinuria and hypertension.