Risk Factors Associated with Preeclamptic Women: A Case- Control Study in Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH)

Abstract

Introduction: Preeclampsia, a dangerous condition characterized by high blood pressure during pregnancy, poses risks to both mothers and infants. Understanding the risk factors associated with preeclampsia is essential for effective prevention and management. This study aims to identify and investigate the potential risk factors contributing to preeclampsia in women, with the goal of improving the health outcomes of expectant mothers and their babies. Methods: This study was a case-control study conducted in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). The study period spans from 1st July 2019 to 31st December 2019. The study population consists of 100 participants, including 50 pregnant normotensive women as the control group and 50 pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia oreclampsia as the case group. The Ethical clearance of this study was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Results: Out of 100 patients, the control group consisted of 30% individuals aged 21-25 years, while the case group had 32% individuals aged 16-20 years. The mean age for the control group was 23.11 years (SD 5.9), and for the case group, it was 24.5 years (SD 6.3). The distribution of study patients based on risk factors reveals statistically significant differences between the control and case groups for the variable’s "gravidity" and "antenatal care" (p < 0.05). The case group had a higher proportion of primigravida (first-time pregnancy) and irregular or no antenatal care. However, no significant differences were observed for the variables "family history of hypertension" and "gestational age" (p > 0.05). In terms of clinical parameters, the case group exhibited significantly higher prevalence of proteinuria at all levels (1+, 2+, and 3+) compared to the control group. The blood pressure readings, both systolic and diastolic, were also significantly higher in the case group. Moreover, the case group had significantly lower serum calcium levels than the control group. These differences were statistically significant with p-values indicating p<0.01 o p< 0.001. Basis on the results the significant risks factors associated with Preeclampsia were observed, Gravidity (p=0.05), Antenatal care (p=0.05), Proteinuria (p=0.001), Blood Pressure-Systolic(mmHg)(p=0.001), Blood Pressuredystonic (mmHg) (p=0.001), Serum Calcium Level (mg/dl) (p=0.001). Conclusion: The study observed Gravidity, Antenatal care Proteinuria, Blood Pressure - Systolic (mmHg), Blood Pressure - dystonic (mmHg), Serum Calcium Level (mg/dl) were the significant factors associated with the Preeclamptic Women in Bangladesh.