Clinical Profile of Patients with Preeclampsia and Association of Proteinuria with Pregnancy Adverse Outcomes

Background & Objective: Although recent updates in the definition of preeclampsia have expanded beyond proteinuria, the severity of proteinuria still plays a critical role in clinical decision-making for obstetricians and gynecologists. This study was conducted with aim to evaluate the clinical profile of patients with preeclampsia and analyze the association between the amount of 24-hour proteinuria and pregnancy adverse outcomes.Materials & Methods: This retrospective study included 86 pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia and proteinuria, who were admitted for delivery at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic of the University Clinical Center of Kosovo between January and December 2021. Maternal, clinical, and neonatal data were collected and analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups based on the amount of proteinuria, using a threshold of 2.0 g/24 hours. Adverse outcomes of pregnancy were compared between the two groups. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Patients with higher levels of proteinuria (≥2.0 g/24 h) had an earlier onset of preeclampsia, earlier gestational age at hospital admission and at delivery, lower neonatal birth weight, higher rates of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and increased use of magnesium sulfate for seizure prophylaxis (P<0.01).Conclusion: In women with preeclampsia, a 24-hour proteinuria level of ≥2.0 gr is significantly associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. These include earlier onset of disease, preterm birth, low birthweight, IUGR, and a greater need for anticonvulsant therapy. Quantifying proteinuria remains a valuable tool in the management and risk stratification of preeclamptic pregnancies.