Abstract
BackgroundPreeclampsia is a major health problem. Although, the pathophysiology of preeclampsia is not fully understood, there are recent studies on association between infections and preeclampsia.ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to investigate the association between maternal seropositivity of rubella, Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and preeclampsia.MethodA case –controls study (90 women in each arm) was conducted at Saad Abualila Maternity Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan.The cases were women with preeclampsia and the controls were healthy pregnant women. Rubella and HSV-2 IgG antibodies were analysed in the maternal sera of all of the participants using ELISA.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the age, parity and gestational age between the two groups. Maternal serum IgG seropositivity for rubella (92.2% vs. 34.4%, P < 0.001) and HSV-2 (87.8% vs. 57.8%, P < 0.001) were significantly higher in preeclampsia than in the controls. There was no significant difference in the maternal serum IgM seropositivity for rubella (3.3% vs. 2.2%, P = 0.650) and HSV-2 (2.2% vs. 1.1%, P = 0.560). All the IgM seropositive cases were IgG seropositive too. In binary logistic regression women with rubella (OR = 4.93; 95% CI = 2.082–11.692, P < 0.001) and HSV-2 (OR = 5.54; 95% CI = 2.48–12.38, P < 0.001) IgG seropositivity were at higher risk for preeclampsia.ConclusionIn the current study rubella and HSV-2 IgG seropositivity is associated with preeclampsia. Preventive measure should be implemented.
Highlights
There was no significant difference in the maternal serum IgM seropositivity for rubella (3.3% vs. 2.2%, P = 0.650) and Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) (2.2% vs. 1.1%, P = 0.560)
In binary logistic regression women with rubella (OR = 4.93; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.082–11.692, P < 0.001) and HSV-2 (OR = 5.54; 95% CI = 2.48–12.38, P < 0.001) IgG seropositivity were at higher risk for preeclampsia
In the current study rubella and HSV-2 IgG seropositivity is associated with preeclampsia
Summary
The pathophysiology of preeclampsia is not fully understood, there are recent studies on association between infections and preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is defined by hypertension and proteinuria that occur in the second half of pregnancy. It may be a symptomless, various signs and symptoms e.g. edema, visual disturbances, headache, and epigastric pain may be observed especially in the severe form of the disease [1]. Preeclampsia is major health problem where there are around 8.5 million cases of preeclampsia are reported worldwide annually and it complicates around 2–4% of deliveries [2, 3]. The exact pathophysiology of preeclampsia is not fully understood. There is a body of evidence of Investigating the association between infection and preeclampsia is of paramount for clinicians and health planners because preventive measures and treatment could be employed to prevent preeclampsia and its undesirable adverse effects
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call