Association of Urinary Tract Infection With Preeclampsia During Pregnancy

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a major clinical issue, especially in pregnant women, due to physiological changes that increase susceptibility. If untreated, UTIs can lead to severe complications like preterm labor and low birth weight. Preeclampsia, a hypertensive disorder affecting 0.2-9.2% of pregnancies, is another leading cause of maternal and fetal complications. The relationship between UTIs and preeclampsia remains controversial, with some studies suggesting an association while others show conflicting results. Research gaps highlight the need for region-specific studies, particularly in Pakistan, where both conditions contribute significantly to maternal and neonatal morbidity.

This study aims to investigate the association between UTIs and preeclampsia in pregnant women in Pakistan. It will use a cohort design, enrolling 160 patients (80 with UTIs, 80 without) from the Obstetrics Department of PAF Hospital, Islamabad. Participants will be followed until delivery, with preeclampsia diagnosed based on blood pressure and proteinuria criteria. Data will be analyzed using SPSS to calculate relative risk (RR), with statistical significance set at RR \>1 and p ≤ 0.05. The findings could help improve prenatal care and reduce adverse outcomes in high-risk populations.