Kidney Function in Normotensive and Preeclamptic Pregnancies: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study in Abeokuta, Nigeria

Background: Preeclampsia is a significant obstetric complication in Nigeria, associated with acute and long-term renal outcomes. This study compared renal function parameters in normotensive and preeclamptic pregnancies attending the antenatal clinic of the federal medical centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Nigeria. Method: This was a comparative cross-sectional study involving 180 pregnant women (90 with preeclampsia and 90 normotensive controls) attending the antenatal clinic at FMC. Serum creatinine, cystatin C, uric acid, phosphate, calcium, and FBS were measured using standard automated spectrophotometry. Cystatin C was measured using a particle-enhanced nephelometric immunoassay. eGFR was calculated using the CKD-EPI equation and staged according to the KDOQI guideline. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0. Student’s t-test, Chi-square test, and Fisher’s exact test were used as appropriate, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The mean eGFR was significantly lower in preeclamptic (p = 0.011). Serum cystatin C was significantly higher in the preeclamptic group (1.09 ± 0.62 mg/L vs. 0.80 ± 0.22 mg/L; p < 0.001). Kidney dysfunction (eGFR ≤ 60 mL/min) was identified in 11.1% of preeclamptic participants, and none in the control group (p < 0.001). Generalized edema, leg swelling, etc were significantly associated with kidney dysfunction among preeclamptic women (p = 0.010, 0.029, and <0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Preeclampsia significantly increases the risk of kidney dysfunction in pregnancy. Symptoms like headache, leg swelling, and generalized edema may serve as early indicators. Routine renal function screening using cystatin C may aid in early detection and better outcomes, especially in low-resource settings.