Preeclampsia Incidence and Its Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes With Associated Risk Factors

Abstract

Background and objective Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder that usually arises after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It is considered a major cause of maternal and fetal mortality worldwide. High blood pressure and high proteinuria are the two main characteristics of preeclamptic patients. Preeclampsia leads to either severe or mild conditions, but in both cases, it affects the organs of the mother and fetus. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of preeclampsia and associated risk factors (family history, age, hypertension, and diabetes) and to investigate its fetal and maternal outcomes. Methodology This prospective study was conducted at three healthcare units in the Multan district and involved patients with gestational hypertension. Patients were diagnosed on the basis of blood pressure values, urine tests, and through Doppler ultrasound. Further investigations were conducted, including a complete hemogram and a 24-hour test for proteinuria. Results for preeclampsia-related maternal and perinatal outcomes were documented and statistical analysis was performed to analyze the data. Results A total of 142 patients were diagnosed with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia during the two-year study period. Our findings showed 8.67% cases of gestational hypertension and 3% of preeclampsia. The majority of the preeclamptic patients were less than 24 years of age (33.3%), belonged to lower socioeconomic classes (44.4%), and had low educational levels (81.1%). A close association of family history (36.67%) with diabetes (15.5%) and chronic hypertension (5.55%) was observed in these patients. Maternal and fetal outcomes were related to maternal blood pressure. A significant incidence of premature births (45.6%) and a majority of cesarean cases (63.4%) with severe complications were observed. Data from preeclamptic patients showed high albuminuria levels (42.2%) with problems like renal infection, pulmonary edema, and severe anemia. During the study period, a neonatal death rate of 11.1% was observed as well as issues like respiratory tract syndrome, asphyxia, and growth retardation. Conclusion This study showed that poor economic and educational levels are significantly associated with this disease. A high rate of maternal and neonatal morbidity with neonatal mortality was investigated. Mild to severe outcomes were observed in the form of cesarean deliveries and preterm births. Serious complications lead to ICU admissions causing a serious burden on healthcare units. Paying more attention to the healthcare needs of pregnant women helps to identify preeclampsia earlier and also minimizes the complications associated with it.