Perinatal Outcomes in Preeclampsia Stratified by ABO Blood Group [24L

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder unique to pregnancy of which the exact etiopathogenesis has yet to be elucidated. The condition is characterized by hypertension, third spacing, and the effects of arterial vasospasm induced end organ damage. The purpose of the study was to determine if in our patient population there are statistically significant differences in preeclampsia outcomes stratified by ABO blood group. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis was performed on singleton gestations that delivered at our institution between January 2010 and July 2014 and had a diagnosis of preeclampsia, eclampsia, and HELLP syndrome. 127 patients met criteria, and statistical analysis using SPSS was performed. Primary measures were maternal and fetal characteristics, method of delivery, and adverse perinatal outcomes. Demographic data were analyzed and compared. A χ2 and Fischer-Exact analysis was used for discrete variables, ANOVA was used for continuous variables, and a Kaplan-Meier Survival analysis was performed. RESULTS: 127 patients met inclusion criteria. There was no statistically significant difference in maternal age, gestational age at delivery, preterm delivery rate, delivery route, 1 and 5 minute Apgars, or perinatal complications between the ABO blood groups. CONCLUSION: Contrary to published studies, our single site cohort study did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference in perinatal outcomes or EGA at delivery for Rh positive blood groups A, B or O, however, a Type 2 error may exist. Our study adds to the knowledge base in that it highlights the fact that preeclampsia is most likely a multifactorial disease involving molecular, genetic, and epigenetic factors.