Pre-hypertension predicts pregnancy induced hypertension and its postpartum progression

Abstract

Aim: We investigated incidences of pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) and prolonged symptoms (hypertension and/or proteinuria) during the puerperal period, focusing on blood pressure in the early second trimester.
Methods: Initial blood pressure data at 16 to 20 weeks of gestation were available from 1,398 women for analysis. Data were classified into the following groups: normal, mild pre-hypertension (preHT), severe preHT, and hypertension, according to JNC-7 criteria. Both the incidence and duration of symptoms were investigated in each group.
Results: PIH incidences significantly increased as initial blood pressure increased. Also, significantly prolonged puerperal periods were observed in cases of severe preHT.
Conclusions: Our data confirmed that initial blood pressure may be a useful predictor of subsequent PIH. Remaining symptoms in the puerperal period may be caused by latent endothelial cell dysfunction seen in preHT before or in early pregnancy.