Prevalence of pre-eclampsia and its correlated maternal and fetal complications, Emam Sajjad Hospital, Yasuj, 2001

Pre-eclampsia is a major unsolved obstetrical problem and a contributor to maternal and prenatal mortality and morbidity. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of preeclampsia and its correlated maternal and fetal complications in women referred to Emam Sajjad Hospital of Yasuj for delivery or termination of pregnancy. Study was carried out on 1000 women who delivered from summer to autumn 2001 in the hospital. Data were collected by performing interview and physical examination, to find signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia with regard to relevant laboratory test results. Prevalence of pre-eclampsia was 5.4%. The rate of maternal and fetal complications in pre-eclamptic women was significantly higher in comparison with others who delivered in the same period. These complications included abruptioplacentae (14.8%), cesarean (29.6%), eclampsia (9.2%), preterm labor (30.2%), lowbirth weight (23.5%), still birth (11.1%), fetal distress (27.8%) and low Apgar Score (22.2%) (P<0.0001). Maternal age over 35 years old, maternal diabetes and history of preeclampsia in previous pregnancies were the risk factors for pre-eclampsia. Prevalence of preeclampsia was in the ranges reported from other parts of the world. Also maternal and fetal complications were significant, therefore mothers with pre-eclampsia should be identified early by promoting prenatal cares in heath centers.