A pre-conception cohort to study preeclampsia in China: Rationale, study design, and preliminary results.
10.3969/j.issn.1672-7347.2012.11.001
- Author:
Shiwu WEN
1
;
Hongzhuan TAN
;
Rihua XIE
;
Graeme N SMITH
;
Mark WALKER
Author Information
1. School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China. swwen@ohri.ca
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
Adult;
Blood Pressure;
physiology;
China;
Female;
Humans;
Pre-Eclampsia;
etiology;
physiopathology;
prevention & control;
Pregnancy;
Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular;
physiopathology;
prevention & control;
Prospective Studies;
Young Adult
- From:
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences)
2012;37(11):1081-1087
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE:It is uncertain whether preeclampsia (PE) is caused by pre-existing factors or by pregnancy itself. We want to answer this important question in public health by conducting a large pre-conception cohort in China.
METHODS:A prospective and pre-conception cohort study with a target recruitment of 5000 couples who plan to have a baby within 6 months was performed and their conception, delivery, and postpartum were followed up in Liuyang county, Hunan Province of P. R. China.
RESULTS:A total of 1915 young couples have been recruited into this unique pre-conception cohort till now. In general, both systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure decreased in early second trimester from pre-conception level but increased in third trimester and at delivery.
CONCLUSION:The proposed pre-conception cohort study will have important theoretical and practical implications on the prevention of PE and its associated cardiovascular disease risks.
