Risk Factors of Pre-eclampsia: A Hospital-Based Case-Control Study

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal Health
• Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy

Background:

• Pre-eclampsia is a major global cause of maternal and infant mortality.
• Risk factors for pre-eclampsia are understudied in developing nations.
• Identifying risk factors is key to reducing maternal deaths.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine significant risk factors for pre-eclampsia.
• To inform antenatal surveillance strategies.
• To reduce maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.

Main Methods:

• Unmatched case-control study conducted at VIMSAR, Odisha.
• 100 pre-eclampsia cases and 100 controls were recruited.
• Data collected via questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS with statistical tests.

Main Results:

• Significant risk factors for pre-eclampsia included family history of hypertension (AOR=4.2), chronic hypertension (AOR=13.7), and blood group AB (AOR=3.6).
• No significant association found with maternal age, socioeconomic status, parity, or anemia.
• Identified risk factors can guide targeted interventions.

Conclusions:

• Family history of hypertension, chronic hypertension, and blood group AB are key predictors.
• Antenatal screening for these factors can identify high-risk pregnancies.
• Early identification aids in minimizing pre-eclampsia complications.