Isolated proteinuria in Chinese pregnant women with pre-eclampsia: Results of retrospective observational study

Objective: To evaluate obstetrical, maternal and neonatal outcomes of isolated proteinuria among Chinese pregnant women. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective observational study, we have reviewed the medical records of Chinese pregnant women hospitalized in Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, China between March 2013 to March 2016 who had new onset isolated proteinuria, and had urine albumin level of more than 300 mg in 24 h. Each Chinese pregnant woman was followed up from the time of admission to the time of discharge after delivery. Obstetrical, maternal and neonatal outcomes were assessed. Result: A total of 758 hospitalized women were screened for suspected hypertensive disorders at our hospital from March 2013 to March 2016 by collecting their 24 h urine protein. Out of 758 women, a total of 92 women were diagnosed with new onset isolated proteinuria, and were followed from the time of admission until delivery and discharge postpartum, and subjected in retrospective analysis. Of these, a total of 18 women developed Pre-Eclampsia (PE) during their pregnancy, and 11 women developed PE during postpartum period. Pregnant women who had progression to PE were due to greater values of proteinuria. We also noted that earlier PE onset was associated with early-onset proteinuria and multiple gestations. Irrespective of PE progression, maternal outcome was found favorable although high levels of proteinuria was associated with increased risk for intrauterine growth restriction and lower Apgar scores. Isolated proteinuria progressing to PE was associated with late PE onset, and did not affect maternal and neonatal outcomes among Chinese mothers. Conclusion: We suggest significant proportion of Chinese women with new onset isolated proteinuria will develop PE after delivery