High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein as an Independent Risk Factor for Preeclampsia with Severe Features

Background: One of the most dangerous complications of pregnancy and a major contributor to maternal and perinatal morbidity and death is preeclampsia. The goal of the current study was to measure the level of inflammation in severe preeclampsia by measuring serum high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and establishing a relationship between hs-CRP and blood pressure. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact high sensitivity C-reactive protein as an independent risk factor for preeclampsia with severe features. Methods: The cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, from July 2022 to June 2023. A total of 200 patients were enrolled and analyzed in this study. The questionnaire was pretested, corrected and finalized. Data were collected by face-to-face interview and analyzed by appropriate computer based programmed software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 24. Results: In this study, majority 95 (47.5%) of the patients were in 21 – 30 years age group and 60 (30.00%) patients were in >30 years age group, Mean±SD of age was 27.12 ± 4.12 years. Most of the patients 150 (75.00%) were housewife and 50 (25.00%) patients were service holder. About 55 (27.5) patients were completed their graduation, 50 (25.00%) were completed higher secondary and 20 (10) were illiterate, most of the patients 145 (72.5%) came from rural area and 55(27.5) patients came from urban area. Nullipara was found in 75 (37.5%) patients and multigravida was found in most of the patients 110 (55.00%). Antenatal care was found irregular in 105 (52.5%) patients. Preterm pregnancy was found in majority 145 (72.5%) of the patients. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were found higher and hsCRP was also found higher in PE with severe features. APGAR score was found less in 65 (32.5%) neonate at birth and APGAR score was found good in 55 (27.5%) neonate at 5 minutes. Average birth weight was found in 75 (37.5%) neonates, LBW was found in 85 (42.5) neonates and very LBW was found in 40 (20.00%) neonates of PE with severe features patients. Intrauterine growth retardation and prematurity were found in 75 (37.5%) and 20 (10.00%) neonates, admission to NICU was needed for 45 (22.5%) neonates, birth asphyxia was found in 15 (7.5%) neonates and stillbirth was occured in 35 (17.5%) cases. Conclusion: An exaggerated systemic inflammatory response, which may produce reactive oxygen species and worsen endothelial dysfunction, is present in preeclampsia. Clinical signs of hypertension and proteinuria in preeclampsia result from this. Preeclampsia-related maternal mortality and systemic complications may be reduced with early identification. hsCRP may therefore be a valuable gauge of preeclampsia severity.