Obesity increases the risk of severe preeclampsia in pregnancy

Objective: To evaluate the impact of maternal obesity on the development of severe preeclampsia in pregnancy. Methods: Retrospective cohort analysis of n = 13.083 deliveries between January 2000 -December 2011 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck. Severe preeclampsia was defined as blood pressure ≥180/110mmHG and proteinuria > 3 g/l. Results were analyzed dividing the patients (pts.) into 2 groups; 1: BMI (Body mass index) 18,5 – 24,9; 2: BMI > 25. Subgroups were built: (I) BMI 25 – 29,9, (II) BMI 30 – 34,9, (III) BMI 35 – 39,9, (IV) BMI > 40. Ex…