Impact of fetal growth restriction as a diagnostic criterion for preeclampsia on maternal disease severity: A retrospective analytical study

Background:Preeclampsia (PE), which significantly impacts maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, is a multisystem illness of pregnancy characterized by the start of hypertension and signs of maternal organ dysfunction occurring after 20 weeks of gestation. Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a primary cause of stillbirth and neonatal mortality. The aim of our study is to assess whether including FGR as a diagnostic criterion for preeclampsia is associated with greater maternal disease severity.Methods: A retrospective analytical study was conducted among 101 singleton pregnancies diagnosed with preeclampsia before 37 weeks’ gestation. Cases were classified as Group A (PE with FGR, N=24) and Group B (PE without FGR, N=77). Baseline demographics, maternal outcomes (severe hypertension, HELLP, ICU admission), and perinatal outcomes (birthweight, gestational age, NICU admission) were collected.Results: Group A patients presented and delivered earlier (32.4±4.8 vs 36.6±3.3 weeks, p