Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Investigating the Relationship Between Urinary Tract Infections in the First and Second Trimesters of Pregnancy and the Incidence of Preeclampsia: A Case-Control Study

Document Type : Original Article(s)

Authors
sakineh nazari 1
Zzakiyeh Keshavarzi 2
Motaram Aabdi 3
1 Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
2 Professor Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
3 MD, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
10.48305/jims.v43.i842.1673
Abstract
Background: Preeclampsia is one of the most common and serious complications of pregnancy and is a significant contributor to maternal mortality. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are also among the most frequent infections during pregnancy and may contribute to the development of preeclampsia. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between urinary tract infections in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy and the occurrence of preeclampsia. 
Methods: This case-control study was conducted in 2024 at Bent-ol-Hadi Hospital in Bojnourd. A total of 102 pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia (defined as blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg and positive proteinuria after the twentieth week of pregnancy) comprised the case group, while 102 pregnant women without preeclampsia formed the control group. Participants were selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected through a review of medical records and a demographic and clinical questionnaire. The chi-square test and independent t-test were used for data analysis.
Findings: The study showed that the prevalence of urinary tract infection (UTI) in the first trimester of pregnancy was significantly higher in the preeclampsia group than in the control group (P = 0.041). However, no significant difference in UTI prevalence was observed between the two groups during the second trimester. Additionally, when UTI was present in both the first and second trimesters, the likelihood of developing preeclampsia increased significantly (P = 0.046). Comparison of laboratory indicators also revealed that the white blood cell count at the time of hospitalization was significantly higher in the preeclampsia group than in the control group (P = 0.003).
Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate a significant association between urinary tract infections in early pregnancy and the occurrence of preeclampsia. Therefore, timely screening, diagnosis, treatment of urinary tract infections during pregnancy can be considered an effective strategy for preventing preeclampsia.

Highlights

Sakineh Nazari: Google Scholar 

Rezvan Rajabzade: Google Scholar

Keywords
Preeclampsia
Urinary tract infection
Pregnancy
First trimester of pregnancy
Second trimester of pregnancy

Subjects

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 43, Issue 842
2nd Week , February
January and February 2026
Pages 1673-1679

  • Receive Date 29 June 2025
  • Accept Date 07 February 2026