ASSOCIATION OF SERUM BIOMARKERS WITH SEVERITY AND OUTCOMES OF ECLAMPSIA IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
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Keywords
Eclampsia; Serum biomarkers; LDH; Thrombocytopenia; Maternal outcomes; Perinatal outcomes; Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
Abstract
Eclampsia remains a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries. Early identification of women at risk of severe disease using easily available biochemical markers is crucial for appropriate management. This study aimed to evaluate the association of commonly measured serum biomarkers with the severity of eclampsia and related maternal and perinatal outcomes.
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 85 eclamptic women admitted to a tertiary care hospital between January and December 2024. Clinical data, biochemical parameters including LDH, uric acid, platelet count, AST, ALT, and serum creatinine were recorded. Disease severity was classified as mild–moderate or severe based on clinical and laboratory features. Maternal and perinatal outcomes were compared across biomarker categories. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Elevated LDH (≥600 IU/L) was present in 49.41% of the participants and was significantly associated with severe eclampsia (67.74% vs. 31.48%; p = 0.001). Thrombocytopenia (<1,00,000/mm³) also showed a significant association with severe disease (22.58% vs. 7.41%; p = 0.043). Elevated uric acid, AST, ALT, and creatinine levels were more common in severe cases but did not reach statistical significance. High LDH levels were associated with recurrent seizures, ICU admission, acute kidney injury, and DIC. Severe eclampsia was linked to higher rates of preterm birth (61.29%), low birth weight (64.52%), and low 5-minute Apgar scores (35.48%).
Conclusion: LDH elevation and thrombocytopenia are strong predictors of severe eclampsia and adverse maternal outcomes, while other biochemical markers show limited utility when interpreted in isolation. Incorporating LDH and platelet count into routine clinical evaluation may enhance early risk stratification and improve maternal and perinatal outcomes, particularly in resource-limited settings.
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Dr Shruti Gaur
Assistant Professor Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology Maharshi Viishwamitra Autonomous State Medical College, Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, India
Dr Arun Kumar Yadav
Assistant Professor Department Pathology Madhav Prasad Tripathi Autonomous State Medical College, Siddharthnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
Dr. Arti Rai
Assistant Professor Department of Physiology Maa Vindhyavasini Autonomous State Medical College, Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, India
Dr. Ayushi Shukla
Junior Resident Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology United Institute of Medical Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India
Dr Avinash Tiwari
Junior Resident Department of General Medicine Heritage Institute of Medical Sciences, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India