Abstract:
Background: Hypertensive disorders represent the most common medical complications of pregnancy
with a reported incidence between 5 and 10%. The disorders are major causes of maternal and perinatal
morbidities and mortalities. This study was conducted to determine the pattern and outcomes of
pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disorders.
Methods: Hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted on all mothers who gave birth in the labor
ward of Jimma University Specialized Hospital from April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010. Data was collected
by interviewing the mothers and review of their medical records using structured questionnaire and
checklist, respectively. Data analysis was performed using SPSS for windows version 16.0.
Result: Majority (52.5%) of the mothers were in the age group of 25 - 34 years. The overall prevalence of
hypertensive disorders of pregnancy was 8.5%. Severe preeclampsia accounted for 51.9% of the cases
followed by eclampsia (23.4%). Residential area of the mothers (urban/rural) was found to have
statistically significant association with severity of the disorder. Most (66.5% and 74.7%) of the mothers
were nulliparous and had antenatal care follow-up during the index pregnancy, respectively. Antenatal
care follow-up and parity had no statistically significant association with severity of the disease. The case
fatality rate of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy was 1.3% with perinatal mortality of 317.1/1000
births.
Conclusion: Pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disorders have poor maternal and perinatal
outcomes and rural women were more affected. Quality antenatal care services with good obstetric and
neonatal care at delivery are essential for early recognition and management of hypertensive disorders of
pregnancy.
