A 26-year-old woman had early-onset pre-eclampsia requiring delivery at 29 weeks in her first pregnancy. She is now planning her second pregnancy. Which of the following is her approximate recurrence risk for pre-eclampsia in the next pregnancy?
- A 5-10%
- B 15-20%
- C 30-40% ✓
- D 50-60%
Correct answer: C. 30-40%
Explanation
Recurrence risk of pre-eclampsia is approximately 15-20% for any pre-eclampsia, but early-onset pre-eclampsia (delivery before 34 weeks) carries a significantly higher recurrence risk of 30-40%. Late-onset disease carries lower recurrence around 10%. Risk factors compounding recurrence include early onset, severity, and pre-existing chronic hypertension or renal disease. This is a frequently tested epidemiological fact.
Reference: High-Risk Pregnancy: Management Options, 5th ed.
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