The emergence of a change in the prevalence of preeclampsia in a tertiary maternity unit (2004-2016).

Background: Pre-eclampsia (PET) affects 2-3% of all pregnancies, rising to 5-7% in nulliparous women. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of PET over a 13-year period.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed over a 13-year period (2004-2016) via interrogation of the annual clinical reports of The Rotunda Hospital, Dublin.

Results: There was a fall in the overall incidence of PET (nulliparous and multiparous), from a peak of 3.8% in 2007 to 1.5% in 2015. Comparing the first and second halves of the study time-period this decrease was statistically significant ( < .0001). In nulliparous women, the thirteen-year mean was 4.4% for the study period, with a similar observed reduction from a peak of 5.3% in 2005 to a trough of 2.4% in 2015.

Discussion: In our institution, we have shown a decrease in preeclampsia rates over a 13-year period. While the reason for this trend remains unclear, a similar trend has been observed in another tertiary unit and additional research is required to explain the etiology behind these observations.