Preeclampsia: A Cardiorenal Syndrome in Obstetric Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) encompasses a spectrum of disorders involving heart and kidneys. Preeclampsia and cardiovascular disease are most likely occur via oxidative stress induced endothelial dysfunction. Case presentation: A 34-years-old woman was referred with difficulty of breathing. She had a history of preeclampsia and refractory acute kidney injury (AKI). The patient was diagnosed with severe preeclampsia, partial HELLP syndrome, acute lung edema, cardiomyopathy, CRS, anemia, hyperkalemia, hypoalbuminemia, and AKI. Discussion: CRS and preeclampsia share similar risk factors and mechanisms including pre-existing renal or cardiac disease, diabetes, chronic hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, obesity, metabolic syndrome, or other systemic disease. She had a history of preeclampsia and refractory AKI. Cardiac dysfunction reduce arterial blood supply and impairs venous return. Renal failure leads to the retention of water and an excessive volume demand. Conclusion: Cardiovascular disorders leading to CRS and preeclampsia remain the leading cause of morbidity in pregnancy.