Uterine Fibroids Are Linked to Hypertensive Disorders During Pregnancy

Uterine fibroids (UFs) in early pregnancy risk of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP), according to a recent study.

To examine this relationship, the researchers conducted a study of 2404 pregnant women from a prospective cohort in China, 2277 of whom met inclusion criteria. Questionnaires and physical examineations were used to assess clinical characteristics at baseline as well as at weeks 21-27, 28-34, and 35-39. Ultrasound was used before week 20 to determine the presence of UFs.

Overall, 242 (10.6%) of the women had UFs, 45 (2.05%) of whom developed HDP (incidence of 5% and 1.6% for women with and without UFs, respectively). Longitudinal systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher in women with UFs than in those without, and UFs were associated with increased HDP risk (hazard ratio 2.95, 95% CI 1.35-6.44).

“In conclusion, this prospective study of pregnant women suggests that women with UFs identified during early pregnancy have a high risk of HDP, even after adjusting for multiple confounding factors. Considering the adverse effects of HDP on pregnancy, pregnant women with UFs should have their blood pressure closely monitored, and the preventive measures for HDP are necessary.”

—Michael Potts

Reference:

Chen Y, Lin M, Guo P, et al. Uterine fibroids increase the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: a prospective cohort study. Hypertension. 2021;39(5):1002-1008. doi: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000002729