Psychosocial sequele after severe, early onset preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia is a multiorgan disease, occurring only in gestation and leading
to high blood pressure and proteinuria. In the majority of cases it occurs in
the third trimester of pregnancy. The etiology of preeclampsia is still obscure
but recent knowledge show multifactorial factors with complex interactions
between genes and environment. Preeclampsia is the leading couse of maternal
death in the Netherlands. The only rational treatment is delivery but remote
from term a high rate of neonatal morbidity and mortality will occur. There is
little literature available regarding psychosocial sequelae after severe, early
onset preeclampsia. Extreme fear, fear of loss of control, frustration and
guild are frequently reported emotions during admission and treatment in the
hospital. It may lead to extreme stress. We know through personal
communications of patients of the dutch preeclampsia association (HELLP
stichting) that women suffer longstanding from post traumatic stress symptoms
or depression. Frustration among these patients is mainly due to lack of
recognision of the symptoms by the medical profession, for whom the purely
medical treatment was of major concern at the time of admission. So far, little
attention has been paid to psychosocial aspects of severe, early onset
preeclampsia.

Determination of psychosocial effects after severe, early onset preeclampsia
for improvement of care of these patients in the future.

Retrospective cohort study

Paticipants receive 3 questionnairs, which will take about 30 minutes to fill
in. There are no risks. In case women experience emotional distress and/or
disturbing memories after participation, psychological care is offered on
request.