ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the effects of low serum-albumin on maternal and neonatal outcomes in severe pre-eclampsia. Methods Two hundred and thirty-three women with severe preeclampsia admitted to our hospital from Jan. 2000 to Mar. 2006 were retrospectively investigated and were divided into two groups according to the serum-albumin level: low serum-albumin group (Group A, n= 133) and normal serum-albumin group (Group B, n=90). Maternal and fetal outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results The proportion of women with abnormal retention of fluid (6.8%, vs 0), elevated liver enzymes (60.9% vs 38.9%) renal involvement (30.1% vs 11.1%) and complications (23.3% vs 11.1%) (placental abruption and postpartum hemorrhage) in group A were significantly higher than those in group B (all P<0. 05). Birth weight in group A was lower than that in group B[(2192. 78±795. 31) g vs (2454. 92±776. 24) g, P<0. 05] and neonatal mortality in group A was higher (26.0%vs 13. 6%, P<0. 05). Conclusions Severe pre-eclampsia with low serum-albumin is associated with severe maternal and neonatal outcomes. Appropriate termination of pregnancy should be considered following adequate and careful assessment of maternal and fetal well-being in order to improve perinatal outcomes.