Comparison of Helicobacter Pylori Infection in Normal Pregnancy and Preeclampsia

Abstract

Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder that affects 2–7% of pregnancies, remaining a major contributor to maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity with uncertain pathogenesis. Some evidence suggests the role of infectious agents in development of preeclampsia. This study assessed the potential relationship between H. Pylori infection and development of preeclampsia. This case-control study was conducted in one educational hospital in Mashhad, Iran, in 2021. Study participants were selected through convenience sampling. A total number of 34 normotensive and 34 women with preeclampsia in their third trimester enrolled in the study. We assessed serum levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets, creatinine, and serum levels of H. pylori (IgG and IgA) in all participants, comparing the infection rates between the study groups. There were no significant difference in age, BMI, number of previous pregnancies, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count and creatinine levels among different study groups (P>0.05). The H. Pylori test was positive in 30 (88.2%) pregnant women in preeclampsia group and 23 (67.6%) in the control group (P=0.041). H. Pylori infection was significantly more prevalent in women with preeclampsia compered to healthy pregnant women in third trimester. This suggests a potential association between H. Pylori infection and the development of preeclampsia.

Keywords

• helicobacter pylori
• preeclampsia
• pregnancy