Family history of hypertension increases risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women: a case-control study
Abstract: Preeclampsia is one
of the leading causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortalities
worldwide. Despite extensive research, the underlying cause of preeclampsia
remains poorly understood. This study aimed to offer compelling evidence on the
important risk factors of preeclampsia in Amhara region, Ethiopia.
Methods
A case control study was conducted in public health facilities of Bahir
Dar city from September 2014 to January 2015. A total of 453 (151 cases and 302
controls) pregnant women were enrolled in this study. Hemoglobin level and
urinary tract infection (UTI) status were collected from clinical notes. Oral
examination was performed by a dentist for detection of periodontal diseases. Univariate
and multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the
relationship of all the independent variables with the outcome variable. A
p-value <0.05 was declared statistically significant.
Result
Advanced maternal age (AOR=4.79;95% CI 1.031-22.18), family history of
hypertension (AOR=11.16;95% CI 5.41-41.43), history of diabetes mellitus
(AOR=6.17;95% CI 2.11-20.33), UTI in the current pregnancy (AOR=6.58;95% CI
2.93-14.73), failure to comply with iron and folic acid supplement during
pregnancy (AOR=8.32;95% CI 3.35-20.62), lack of exercise (AOR=3.33;95% CI
1.35-8.17), multiple pregnancy (AOR=4.05;95% CI 1.57-12.27), anemia
(AOR=4.19;95% CI 1.27-13.92), and periodontal disease or gingivitis (AOR
=3.51;95% CI 1.14-10.83) were associated with preeclampsia.
Conclusion
Family history of hypertension was the most dominant risk factor for
preeclampsia in pregnant women. Encouraging pregnant women to have health
seeking behavior during pregnancy would provide a chance to diagnose preeclampsia
as early as possible.
Keywords: Preeclampsia; risk
factors; pregnancy; pregnant women; Bahir Dar city
Author: Mulualem Endeshaw,
Fantu Abebe, Melkamu Bedimo, Anemaw Asrat, Abebaw Gebeyehu, Alemayehu Keno
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg160215
