Urine protein to creatinine ratio for evaluation of preeclampsia and its maternal and fetal outcome: A cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy induces significant metabolic and biochemical changes, many of which reverse after childbirth. PE affects approximately 4.6% pregnancies globally and is characterized by hypertension and proteinuria or end-organ dysfunction after 20 weeks of gestation in previously normotensive women. Hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia (PE) if untreated, can lead to significant morbidity and mortality in both mother and fetus. Aims and objectives · To estimate the urine protein-to-creatinine ratio in patients with preeclampsia. · To associate the urine protein-to-creatinine ratio with obstetric outcomes. Materials and Methods: All consenting eligible pregnant women who were hospitalised in our labour room were included in the study. The assessment involves using a random urine protein-to-creatinine ratio test and determining its association with maternal and fetal outcome. Results: The present study primarily observed preeclampsia in 21-30 years of age and mostly presented in late second and third trimester of pregnancy. Among 130 study population, 57.9% delivered vaginally while 42.3% underwent LSCS. Difference observed in maternal outcome among UPCR <0.3 and ?0.3 was not statistically significant. Observations in NICU admissions (92.4% cases) and fetal growth restriction (100% cases) have been found to be statistically significant with p-value <0.05. However, most women with adverse maternal outcome and fetal outcome had recorded UPCR ? 0.3. The study findings indicate the association between the urine protein-to-creatinine ratio and adverse obstetric outcomes. Conclusion: Monitoring the urine protein-to-creatinine ratio in preeclamptic patients has both diagnostic and prognostic value, aiding in evaluating disease progression and making clinical decisions about delivery timing. This method offers a feasible and faster alternative to the 24-hour urine protein test, improving patient compliance and early intervention.