Pattern and Outcomes of Pregnancies Complicated by Hypertensive Disorders: A One Year Prospective Study at Jimma University Specialized Hospital

Abstract

Background: Hypertensive disorders represent the most common medical complications of pregnancy, with a reported incidence between 5 and 10%. The incidence varies among different hospitals, regions, and countries. The disorders are major causes of maternal and perinatal morbidities and mortalities. Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the pattern and outcomes of pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disorders in pregnant women who gave birth at Jimma University Specialized Hospital during a one year period. Methods: A prospective cross sectional study was conducted from April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010 among all mothers who were admitted to Jimma University Specialized Hospital with the diagnoses of hypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy. Data was collected concerning the socio demographic characteristics of the mothers, clinical and obstetric factors, and maternal and perinatal outcomes of the pregnancies through face-to-face interview of the mothers and review of their medical records. Finally, data was cleaned, edited and entered into computer and analyzed by using SPSS for windows version 16.0. Result: During the study period (April 2009-March 2010) there were a total of 1863 deliveries attended at Jimma University Specialized Hospital. Of which 158 pregnancies were complicated by hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP) making the prevalence of HDP 8.48%. Severe preeclampsia was the most common hypertensive disorder of pregnancy accounting for 51.9% followed by eclampsia which contributed for 23.4% of the cases. HELLP syndrome which is one of the most severe forms of the disorder affected 8.9% of the pregnant women. Moreover, there were 12 (7.6%) cases of mild preeclampsia while 8 (5.1%) mothers had simple gestational hypertension. Residence area of the mothers (urban/rural) was found to have statistically significant association with the severity of HDP. Conclusion: The prevalence of HDP in this study is similar with the global figure. The pregnancies affected with the disorder have poor maternal and perinatal outcomes. Improved ANC service delivery, optimum obstetric, medical and neonatal cares are essential for the reduction of the devastating complications related to these disorders.