Key result
Preeclampsia linked to ~39% lower likelihood of receiving postpartum care information versus gestational diabetes.
Why the study?
Adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes are substantial risk factors for cardiovascular disease later in life, but current postpartum care and awareness of this risk are unclear.
Cross-Sectional (n=161)
No
Absolute Event Rate: 30.4% vs 49.6%
p-value: p=0.027
There is a significant lack of awareness and structured postpartum care regarding long-term cardiovascular risk in women with a history of preeclampsia or gestational diabetes.
Inadequate postpartum counseling after preeclampsia signals missed prevention opportunities; leaves open whether structured programs improve long-term cardiovascular follow-up.
BACKGROUND: Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO), such as preeclampsia (PE) and gestational diabetes (GDM) are substantial risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) later in life. Identifying these high-risk female individuals during pregnancy offers the possibility of preventing long-term CVD and chronic kidney disease via a structured therapeutic and surveillance plan. We aimed to evaluate the current practice of postpartum care in women after APO and the impact on the women's awareness about their future risk for CVD. METHODS: Women diagnosed with PE and GDM at the University Hospital of St. Poelten/Lilienfeld between 2015-2020 were identified and participated in a structured telephone interview about postpartum medical care and knowledge about the impact of APOs on long-term cardiovascular health. RESULTS: Of 161 out of the 750 women contacted, 29% (n = 46) were diagnosed with PE and 71% (n = 115) with GDM. One third of all women and up to 44% of women diagnosed with PE, were unaware that APOs are related to CVD. Women diagnosed with PE were less likely to receive postpartum care information than those with GDM (30.4% vs. 49.6%, p = 0.027), and only one third of all women after APOs were counselled by a physician or healthcare professional. Of the women 50% received recommendations regarding lifestyle changes after delivery; significantly more women with GDM than women with PE (54% vs. 37%, p = 0.05). Only 14% had at least one long-term follow-up. CONCLUSION: This study identified a significant deficit of structured postpartum care and a lack of awareness among women after APO and their healthcare providers about the increased risk of long-term CVD.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Pfaller et al. (2024) conducted a cross-sectional in Preeclampsia and Gestational Diabetes (n=161). Preeclampsia vs. Gestational diabetes was evaluated on Receipt of postpartum care information (p=0.027). Women diagnosed with preeclampsia were significantly less likely to receive postpartum care information than those with gestational diabetes (30.4% vs. 49.6%, p=0.027).
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: