How often the diaphragm is weakened after cesarean delivery in women with severe preeclampsia

Incidence of Postoperative Diaphragmatic Dysfunction in Pregnant Women With Preeclampsia With Severe Features Undergoing Cesarean Delivery: A Prospective Observational Study

Observational Cairo University · NCT07443345

We will use ultrasound to see if women with severe preeclampsia develop diaphragm weakness after cesarean delivery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment52 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 40 Years
SexFemale
SponsorCairo University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cairo)
Trial IDNCT07443345 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study enrolls women with severe preeclampsia at >32 weeks gestation undergoing cesarean delivery at Cairo University Hospitals. Investigators will use bedside ultrasound to measure diaphragmatic function in the perioperative period and record clinical data on comorbidities, anesthesia, and postoperative respiratory outcomes. The primary goal is to determine the incidence of postoperative diaphragmatic dysfunction and to identify perioperative risk factors associated with dysfunction. No experimental treatments are given; the protocol excludes patients under 20, diabetics, those with neuromuscular disease, or anyone who cannot obtain adequate ultrasound views.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Women aged 20 or older with severe preeclampsia at gestational age >32 weeks who are scheduled for cesarean delivery and can undergo diaphragmatic ultrasound are the intended participants.

Not a fit: Patients under 20, people with diabetes or neuromuscular disease, those who refuse participation, or anyone who cannot obtain adequate ultrasound views are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help clinicians identify patients at higher risk for postoperative diaphragm weakness and guide monitoring or preventive care to reduce respiratory complications.

How similar studies have performed: Prior research has documented respiratory complications such as pulmonary edema and respiratory failure in preeclampsia, but few studies have specifically measured postoperative diaphragmatic function with objective ultrasound, so this application is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with severe preeclampsia undergoing cesarean section
* Gestational age \> 32 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

* • Age \< 20 years.

  * Diabetic
  * Patients with neuromuscular diseases.
  * Patient refusal.
  * Contraindications to magnesium sulphate administration
  * Inability to obtain adequate ultrasound views

Where this trial is running

Cairo

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions PreecalmpsiapreeclampsiaDiaphragmatic dysfunction
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.