Prevalence of Hypertension in Pregnancy and Its Perinatal Complications: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Aim: The present study aims to determine the prevalence and risks associated with hypertension in pregnant patients.

Study design: A cross-sectional study

Place and Duration: This study was conducted at BMC Liaquat University of Medical Health Sciences Jamshoro , Pakistan from June 2020 to June 2021.

Methodology: All the 1242 patients who had visited the department for the delivery, were looked for hypertension. Those who had hypertension were included in the study as per inclusion criteria.

Results: Out of 1242 patients, 130 (10.47%) were detected with hypertension. A total of 58 (44.6%) patients had gestational hypertension, 18 (13.84%) had preeclampsia-eclampsia, 24 (18.46%) had preeclampsia due to chronic hypertension, 17 (13.07%) had chronic hypertension, and 13 (10%) had chronic hypertension aggravated by pregnancy. A total of 124 (95.38%) had systolic blood pressure (SBP) between 140 mmHg and 190 mmHg. The remaining 6 (4.62%) had SBP of more than 190 mmHg. Whereas the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 80 (61.53%) patients was between 90 mmHg and 110 mmHg, and 50 (38.46%) patients had DBP more than 110 mmHg. A total of 6 (4.61%) had the HELLP (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes & Low Platelet count) syndrome, 69 (53.08%) had a premature delivery, 10 (7.69%) patients had IUFD (intrauterine fetal death). 11 (8.46%) had IUGR (intrauterine growth retardation). and 22 (16.92%) patients gave birth to babies with low birth weight (LBW).

Conclusion: Pregnant hypertensive patients who give birth to LBW babies and younger in age are more likely to experience perinatal complications. Routine antenatal checkups, early diagnosis, and treatment of hypertension can prevent the unpleasant outcomes of hypertension. Follow-up after the delivery has equal significance.