Risk factors and foetal growth restriction associated with expectant treatment of early-onset preeclampsia

OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors affecting expectant management of early-onset preeclampsia, and evaluate the correlation between expectant treatment and foetal growth restriction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective study included 72 women who were admitted for early-onset preeclampsia between February 2018 to April 2021. Data included maternal clinical parameters, demographic and maternal and neonatal outcomes, which were analysed for correlation. RESULTS: Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the time interval from the onset of 24-h proteinuria to termination of pregnancy showed a strong correlation with the expectant treatment; Univariate logistic analysis confirmed that there was no correlation between expectant treatment and foetal growth restriction. CONCLUSION: There was a negative correlation between the duration of 24-h proteinuria and the expectant treatment of patients with early-onset preeclampsia; Expectant treatment could not improve the development of foetal growth restriction in patients with early-onset preeclampsia. KEY MESSAGES: The duration of 24-h proteinuria affects the effectiveness of expectant management of early-onset preeclampsia. Expectant management can reduce adverse neonatal outcomes due to iatrogenic preterm delivery, but it cannot improve the occurrence of foetal growth restriction.