Orapuh Journal | Journal of Oral & Public Health
Identification of predictive biological markers of maternal-fetal complications in patients with severe preeclampsia
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Keywords

Preeclampsia
maternal-fetal complications
uric acid
AST
ACR

How to Cite

Tshibuela, D. B., Muwonga, J. M., Kimema, P., Nkodila, A. N., Verdonck, F., Spitz, B., & Elongi , J. P. M. (2025). Identification of predictive biological markers of maternal-fetal complications in patients with severe preeclampsia . Orapuh Journal, 6(9), e1281. https://doi.org/10.4314/orapj.v6i9.81

Abstract

Introduction

Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious pregnancy complication associated with significant risks for both mothers and fetuses. Identifying biological markers that predict adverse outcomes is essential for improving clinical management and outcomes in severe preeclampsia.

Purpose

This study aimed to identify blood and urine biological markers that are strongly associated with maternal-fetal complications among women with severe preeclampsia.

Methods

A total of 204 pregnant women hospitalized for severe preeclampsia were included. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine biological predictors of maternal-fetal complications.

Results

The mean age of participants was 28 ± 6.7 years, with 53.8% being primiparous. A history of preeclampsia was present in 19.2% of patients, and 63.5% had chronic hypertension. The median gestational age at diagnosis was 32 weeks (range: 28–36 weeks). Overall, 53.8% of patients experienced complications, most commonly retroplacental hematoma (14.4%), eclampsia (11.5%), and acute renal failure (10.6%). Biological markers significantly associated with maternal-fetal complications were uric acid > 6 mg/dl (p = 0.006), AST > 40 IU/L (p = 0.017), creatinine ≥ 1.3 mg/dl (p = 0.037), proteinuria ≥ 3 g/24h (p = 0.023), and ACR ≥ 30 (p = 0.023). After multivariate adjustment, three markers remained independently associated with complications: uric acid > 6 mg/dl (ORa: 2.26; 95% CI: 1.05–4.87), AST > 40 IU/L (ORa: 2.43; 95% CI: 1.02–5.76), and ACR ≥ 30 (ORa: 2.95; 95% CI: 1.21–7.19).

Conclusion

Preeclampsia remains a complex condition requiring vigilant monitoring. Elevated uric acid, AST, and ACR were identified as independent predictors of maternal-fetal complications and may serve as valuable markers for risk stratification. These findings support the integration of biomarker assessment into management strategies, while future research should evaluate additional markers and personalized protocols to improve maternal and perinatal outcomes.

https://doi.org/10.4314/orapj.v6i9.81
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