Preeclampsia: A Risk Factor For Dismal Neonatal Outcome

Saima Murtaza, Nasreen Fatima

Abstract

Objective

To determine the neonatal outcome in pregnant women with preeclampsia.

Study design

Observational cohort study.

Place & Duration of study

Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (JPMC) Karachi, from July 2019 to January 2020.

Methodology

Pregnant women with preeclampsia were enrolled in this study. Similar number of pregnant women without preeclampsia during the study period were also observed longitudinally through the period of gestation. Newborns were followed up to seven days in postnatal period. Informed consent was obtained prior to the study. Detailed history was taken followed by general physical examination and per abdominal examination for assessing maternal and fetal status. Maternal monitoring included blood pressure measurement four-times a day, and clinical evaluation of symptoms twice daily, as well as according to the patient’s condition, till delivery. Newborns were followed up to seven days post-delivery. Data entered in to the predesigned form. The data were analyzed by using SPSS version 20. Mean and standard deviation were calculated for quantities variables. Frequencies and percentages were computed for qualitative variables. Chi square and relative risk (RR) were calculated, and RR>1 was considered as significant.

Results

A total 156 pregnant women, 78 in each group (preeclampsia and non-preeclampsia) fulfilling the criteria were enrolled. Relative risk of fetal distress was 1.3 times more likely in women with preeclampsia as compared to those without it, with significant association (p=0.004), while in small for gestational age and neonatal deaths groups the relative risk were 1.2 and 1.7 times more in exposed as compared to non-exposed women but with non-significant associations (p=0.395 and 0.090) respectively.

Conclusion

The relative risk of fetal distress was found significant in pregnant women with preeclampsia, however the incidence of small for gestational age and neonatal death were high in preeclampsia group but was no statistically significant.

Key words

Neonatal outcome, Preeclampsia, Morbidity, Mortality, Pregnancy, Risk factors.