Abstract

A STUDY ON PREVALENCE, RISK FACTORS AND PRESCRIPTION PATTERN OF PREGNANCY INDUCED HYPERTENSION

Aleena Kurian*, Merin Raju, Shilpa S. Pillai, Suhail P., Christeena James, Veeresh Babu D. and Smitha B Rao

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Abstract

Introduction: Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) is one the major problem encountered in pregnancy and also a leading cause for maternal mortality and morbidity. It has been classified into various types according to its severity. Diagnosis of PIH is done by monitoring the blood pressure (BP) and confirmed if it is above 140/90mmHg. . So identification of demographics of PIH is of great importance in the present health scenario to understand more about the condition. Objectives: To study the prevalence, risk factors and prescription pattern of pregnancy induced hypertension. Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted in Obstetrics and Gynaecology department of Yenepoya Medical College Hospital, Derlakatte for a period of six months. Results: Out of 971 patients 37 were diagnosed with PIH and prevalence was 4.68%. Among the cases 17.57% were having an increased maternal age and 18.91% were having increased body mass index (BMI). Family history and previous history of PIH were present in 43.24% and 18.91% of PIH women respectively. The most common drug prescribed was Nifedipine (25.74%) which was followed by labetalol (21.78%). Conclusion: The study concludes that an increased age and BMI, previous history of PIH, family history of PIH etc. contributes to the development of PIH. Identifying risk factors at an early stage and proper management of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy will be beneficial in providing better patient care and minimizing further complications.

Keywords: Pregnancy induced hypertension; body mass index; risk factors; prescription pattern.