The mode of delivery in patients with preeclampsia at term subject to elective or emergency Cesarean section

Preeclampsia is accompanied by high maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Thus, delivery needs to be planned carefully. The aim of this study was to determine the most favorable delivery for patients with preeclampsia between the week 37 and 41 of gestation. For this retrospective study, patient data from 2003 to 2011 was collected. Study participants were women having a Cesarean section during week 37 and 41 of gestation. The population was classified into four groups: patients without hypertensive disorders having an elective or emergency Cesarean section and patients suffering from preeclampsia with elective or emergency Cesarean section. Analysis included mode of delivery and neonatal outcome, defined by Apgar score, rate of NICU admission and pH value of the umbilical cord. A total of 130 cases of preeclampsia were recorded. Compared to the control group, we observed a significantly higher Apgar score in the study group with emergency Cesarean section. Furthermore, within the study group the Apgar score at 5 and 10 min was also significantly increased in cases delivered by emergency Cesarean section. Moreover, the pH value of the umbilical cord was significantly higher in the study group. Considering the delivery mode, significant differences were found in favor of the elective Cesarean section. There were no differences in the rate of NICU admission between the groups. The most frequent mode of delivery for women suffering from preeclampsia is elective Cesarean section; however, neonates delivered by emergency Cesarean section did not show an adverse neonatal outcome.