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Pregnancy-related mortality from preeclampsia and eclampsia
A P MacKay1, C J Berg, H K Atrash
1Office of Analysis, Epidemiology, and Health Promotion, National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hyattsville, Maryland, USA. anm3@cdc.gov
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|March 29, 2001
Summary
Preeclampsia and eclampsia significantly contribute to pregnancy-related deaths, especially among Black women and those without prenatal care. Targeted interventions are crucial to reduce maternal mortality from these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal Health
- Public Health Surveillance
Background:
- Preeclampsia and eclampsia are severe hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
- These conditions are significant contributors to maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role and impact of preeclampsia and eclampsia on pregnancy-related mortality.
- To identify demographic and clinical factors associated with increased risk.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the CDC's Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System (1979-1992).
- Calculated pregnancy-related mortality ratios and case-fatality rates.
- Analyzed data based on maternal age, race, gestational age, parity, and prenatal care status.
Main Results:
- Preeclampsia/eclampsia accounted for 790 of 4024 pregnancy-related deaths (1.5/100,000 live births).
- Mortality risk increased with maternal age, was highest at 20-28 weeks gestation and post-first birth.
- Black women faced 3.1 times higher mortality risk; those without prenatal care had elevated risk. Case-fatality rate was 6.4/10,000, twice as high for Black women.
Conclusions:
- Significant racial disparities persist in preeclampsia/eclampsia mortality.
- Identifying factors contributing to excess mortality in Black women is essential.
- Developing targeted interventions is critical to reduce maternal mortality from these conditions for all women.
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