Risk Factors for Emergency Department Visits and Readmissions for Postpartum Hypertension [ID 2683548

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Postpartum hypertension is a source of significant maternal morbidity and mortality. We aim to evaluate risk factors for postpartum emergency department (ED) visits and readmissions for hypertensive complications. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of all birthing patients with peripartum hypertension at a single tertiary care center over a 5-year period (2017–2022). Maternal baseline and intrapartum characteristics were chart abstracted. Primary outcome of interest was postpartum ED visit or readmission (EDR) due to hypertensive complications. Patients who had EDR within 42 days of delivery were compared to those who underwent routine outpatient surveillance. This is IRB #14-001098. RESULTS: Of 16,162 patients who gave birth during the study period, 2,403 (14.9%) patients met the definition of peripartum hypertension. 218 (9.1%) presented to the ED or were readmitted for hypertension. Risk factors for EDR were as follows: maternal age greater than 40 years (22.9% versus 15.3%; P=.003), cesarean delivery (42.7% versus 35.8%; P=.044), chronic hypertension (37.2% versus 31.6%; P=.029), severe preeclampsia (32.6% versus 15.6%), p50% elevated blood pressures within the 24 hours prior to discharge (16.5% versus 11.9%; P=.046). CONCLUSION: Maternal age over 40, chronic hypertension, severe preeclampsia, prescription of antihypertensives on discharge, and elevated blood pressures leading up to discharge are associated with postpartum ED visits or readmissions for hypertension. Attention should be paid to these high-risk groups to reduce ED visits and readmissions.