Fetal sex and differential survival in preeclampsia and eclampsia

Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2012 Feb;285(2):361-5. doi: 10.1007/s00404-011-1984-9. Epub 2011 Jul 20.

Abstract

Purpose: We investigate sex differences in the incidence of stillbirth, neonatal mortality, and perinatal mortality among singletons born to mothers with preeclampsia or eclampsia.

Methods: Retrospective cohort analysis of a population-based sample of singleton births covering the period 1989 through 2005 (n = 56,313).

Results: The study population comprised 26,931 female (47.8%) and 29,382 male infants (52.2%; referent group). Overall, the prevalence of stillbirth, neonatal mortality and perinatal mortality were 0.68, 0.52 and 1.2%, respectively. There was no sex difference in the incidence of stillbirth, neonatal or perinatal mortality among offspring of mothers in this study.

Conclusion: Although there was a preponderance of male infants among mothers with preeclampsia or eclampsia, we did not observe any sex-associated differences in fetal or neonatal survival among offspring of mothers with preeclampsia or eclampsia.

MeSH terms

  • Eclampsia / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant Mortality*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Perinatal Mortality*
  • Pre-Eclampsia / physiopathology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sex Factors*
  • Stillbirth*