Risk factors and foetal growth restriction associated with expectant treatment of early-onset preeclampsia

Objective To identify the factors affecting expectant management of early-onset preeclampsia, and evaluate the correlation between expectant treatment and foetal growth restriction. Materials and Methods The retrospective study included 72 women who were admitted for early-onset preeclampsia between February 2018 to April 2021. Data included maternal clinical parameters, demographic and maternal and neonatal outcomes, which were analysed for correlation. Results Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the time interval from the onset of 24-h proteinuria to termination of pregnancy showed a strong correlation with the expectant treatment; Univariate logistic analysis confirmed that there was no correlation between expectant treatment and foetal growth restriction. Conclusion There was a negative correlation between the duration of 24-h proteinuria and the expectant treatment of patients with early-onset preeclampsia; Expectant treatment could not improve the development of foetal growth restriction in patients with early-onset preeclampsia. KEY MESSAGES The duration of 24-h proteinuria affects the effectiveness of expectant management of early-onset preeclampsia. Expectant management can reduce adverse neonatal outcomes due to iatrogenic preterm delivery, but it cannot improve the occurrence of foetal growth restriction.