APPRAISEMENT OF PREPONDERANCE AND RISK FACTORS OF GESTATIONAL HYPERTENSION IN A TERTIARY CARE REFERRAL HOSPITAL

Archana Vijai* and Dr. Dileep C.

ABSTRACT

Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia are hypertensive disorders during pregnancy (HDP).Gestational hypertension is a condition of onset of hypertension without proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation whereas preeclampsia is refers to the onset of hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation. The aim of prospective Observational study is to appraise the preponderance and risk factors of gestational hypertension in a tertiary care referral hospital. The study was carried out at the in-patient and out -patient setting of a private tertiary level hospital at the Malabar region of Kerala. The study was carried out for a period of 12 months. Based on inclusion criteria a total of 150 eligible consenting antenatal mothers were enrolled and participated in the study. All the study subjects were screened for GHTN, 35 subjects were categorized into GHTN group and 115 to non GHTN group. The prevalence of GHTN is about 23%. A number of risk factors for GHTN were identified, including age> 35 yrs, overweight, history of hypertension as well as family history of hypertension and diabetes. The prevalence of preterm birth, IUGR, NICU admission was significantly higher in women in GHTN than those with non GHTN. The percentage of cesarean delivery is higher in GHTN women than that of non GHTN women and the percentage of low birth weight of infants is higher in GHTN patients when compared to non GHTN patients. Nifedipine is commonly used in the management of GHTN. The possible risk factors confirmed in the study may be useful for the development of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of GHTN.

Keywords: Gestational Hypertension, Intra Uterine Growth Retardation, Hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, Elevated liver enzymes low platelet count syndrome.