Chorionic villus sampling and preeclampsia & eclampsia: coincidence or not?

OBJECTIVES The purpose of the study is to investigate potential association of chorionic villus sampling (CVS) with subsequent development of preeclampsia (PE) and eclampsia (E). STUDY DESIGN The development of PE and E was compared between two groups as follows: 1- CVS group: women who underwent CVS (n = 228) and 2- Control group: maternal and gestational age matched women without invasive prenatal diagnostic procedure (n = 456). Main outcome measures were incidence of PE (mild, severe) and E. RESULTS The incidence of PE and E was not significantly different between CVS and control groups. There was no significant difference regarding mild and severe PE development between the two groups. The incidence of early- and late-onset PE was similar in CVS and control groups. CONCLUSIONS CVS does not appear to increase the risk of PE and E. The spontaneous elevation of trophoblastic load in the maternal circulation rather than the iatrogenic elevation through CVS may contribute to the development of PE and E.