HYPERTENSIVE DISORDERS OF PREGNANCY IN JIMMA UNIVERSITY SPECIALIZED HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background: Hypertensive disorders represent the most common medical complications of pregnancywith a reported incidence between 5 and 10%. The disorders are major causes of maternal and perinatalmorbidities and mortalities. This study was conducted to determine the pattern and outcomes ofpregnancies complicated by hypertensive disorders.Methods: Hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted on all mothers who gave birth in the laborward of Jimma University Specialized Hospital from April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010. Data was collectedby interviewing the mothers and review of their medical records using structured questionnaire andchecklist, 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 ofhypertensive disorders of pregnancy was 8.5%. Severe preeclampsia accounted for 51.9% of the casesfollowed by eclampsia (23.4%). Residential area of the mothers (urban/rural) was found to havestatistically significant association with severity of the disorder. Most (66.5% and 74.7%) of the motherswere nulliparous and had antenatal care follow-up during the index pregnancy, respectively. Antenatalcare follow-up and parity had no statistically significant association with severity of the disease. The casefatality rate of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy was 1.3% with perinatal mortality of 317.1/1000births.Conclusion: Pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disorders have poor maternal and perinataloutcomes and rural women were more affected. Quality antenatal care services with good obstetric andneonatal care at delivery are essential for early recognition and management of hypertensive disorders ofpregnancy.