Maternal and Foetal Outcome in Pregnancy Induced Hypertension: a Study from Rural Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in India

Background: Preeclampsia and eclampsia have been recognized as clinical entities since the times of Hippocrates. Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) is one of the commonest disorders associated with the increased risk of maternal and fetal complications. It is reported in the world literature that the incidence of eclampsia is on the decline, but still a menace in developing countries. Objectives: To study the maternal and foetal outcome in pregnancy induced hypertension. Material and Methods: A prospective randomized study was carried out from February 2009 to January 2010 in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Pravara Rural Hospital, Loni, India. A total of 100 pregnant women with PIH were enrolled in the study. A pre-tested interview tool was used to collect necessary information such as detailed history, clinical examination findings and investigations performed. Results were analysed using SPSS 13.0 Results: In the present study, the overall incidence of PIH was 8.96%, which includes preeclampsia in 7.26% and eclampsia in 1.70%. Preterm labour was the commonest maternal obstetrical complication observed in 18% of mild PIH and 48% of severe PIH cases. Prematurity was the commonest foetal complication seen in 17.99%, 47.62% and 52.63% of mild PIH, severe PIH and Eclampsia cases respectively. Conclusion: Pregnancy induced hypertension is a common medical disorder seen associated with pregnancy in the rural population, especially among young primigravidas, who remain unregistered during pregnancy. Maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality can be reduced by early recognition and institutional management.