Post-partum recovery course in patients with gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia

AimWe examined the post-partum recovery course in patients with pre-eclampsia (PE) and gestational hypertension (GH) and evaluated the associated factors. MethodsIn a retrospective review of 145 patients with GH or PE who gave birth between 1January 2008 and 30October 2011 at our institution, there were 125 PE and 20 GH cases. Data collected included the gestational age at initial examination and delivery, delivery mode, time for normalization of blood pressure (BP), and time until resolution of proteinuria in PE patients. Comparisons were made between singleton and multiple pregnancies, onset (early, <32weeks; late, 32weeks) and fetal growth restriction in singleton pregnancies. ResultsThe mean interval for normalization of BP was 41.829.4days (median, 31.5). The mean interval for resolution of proteinuria was 30.0 +/- 39.6days (median, 27.0). Ninety percent of patients required 77 and 60days to recover from hypertension and proteinuria, respectively. The time for BP normalization was longer in the early-onset group. The time for resolution of proteinuria was not affected by any factor examined. ConclusionA post-partum observation period of 12weeks is acceptable for differentiating PE and GH from chronic hypertension or renal disease. GH severity did not affect the recovery period, but proteinuria severity did. Onset time was a factor influencing the recovery from PE and GH.