Increased proteinuria and uric acid levels are associated with eclamptic crisis.

Objectives: Eclampsia results in high morbidity and mortality, so it is important to identify clinical and laboratorial aspects that may be useful as potential markers to differentiate women at higher risk. Thus, we aim to identify, among women with preeclampsia, aspects that may increase the risk to develop eclampsia.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Negative Correlation between Placental Growth Factor and Endocan-1 in Women with Preeclampsia.

Objective:  To analyze endocan-1, a biomarker of vascular endothelial related pathologies, and the placental growth factor (PlGF), an angiogenic factor and a placental dysfunction marker in patients with preeclampsia (PE).

Methods:  Case-control study conducted at Hospital São Lucas, in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil. Endocan-1 and PlGF levels were quantified in the maternal plasma using the MagPlexTH-C microsphere system (MAGPIX System, Luminex, Austin, Texas, US) and evaluated through analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and adjusted by body mass index (BMI), gestational age and maternal age.

Is there any relationship between ABO/Rh blood group and patients with pre-eclampsia?

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the association between pre-eclampsia and blood groups in a group of pregnant women hospitalized in a University Hospital in Porto Alegre, Brazil - Hospital São Lucas (HSL)/PUCRS.

Study Design: Our sample consisted of 10,040 pregnant women admitted to the maternity department of HSL between 2005 and 2010. The patients were reviewed retrospectively for inclusion.

Flow-mediated dilatation in the differential diagnosis of preeclampsia syndrome.

Background: The preeclampsia syndrome is associated with endothelial dysfunction and the differential diagnosis between pure preeclampsia (PE) and superimposed preeclampsia (SPE) can be only be attained 12 weeks after delivery.

Objective: To compare the assessment of endothelial function through flow-mediated dilatation in pregnant women with pure preeclampsia and superimposed preeclampsia.

Methods: The flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery was carried out according to the recommendations of the International Brachial Artery Reactivity Task Force in pregnant women with preeclampsia syndrome.

Does uric acid provide information about maternal condition and fetal outcome in pregnant women with hypertension?

Objective: To evaluate associations between maternal serum uric acid (UA) levels, maternal status, and fetal outcome.

Methods: Maternal UA, urinary protein-creatinine ratio (P/C), blood pressure (BP), gestational age at delivery, and birth weight were evaluated in hypertensive pregnant women (n = 58). These were divided into two groups: high UA (> or =357 micromol/L) or normal UA (<357 micromol/L).