Outcomes of Pregnancy with Chronic Hypertension

Abstract

Objective: To determine maternal and perinatal outcomes associated with chronic hypertension complicating pregnancy.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted by reviewing the medical records of pregnant women with chronic hypertension who delivered at the Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University between August 2005 and March 2013. Data collection included maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes. The main outcome was the frequency of superimposed preeclampsia on chronic hypertension.

Results: The number of pregnancies with chronic hypertension included in the present study was 139 women representing the prevalence of 0.54%. Of the 139 cases, 44.6% had superimposed preeclampsia on chronic hypertension, 33.1% had preterm delivery, 6.5% had postpartum haemorrhage, 3.6% had HELLP syndrome, 1.4% had placental abruption and 0.7% had DIC. One maternal in-hospital death was recorded. Perinatal death occurred in 0.7% of deliveries. Low birth weight and small for gestational age were noted in 25.2% and 7.9% respectively.

Conclusion: Superimposed preeclampsia was a frequent complication in pregnant women with preexisting hypertension. Pregnancies with this complication had increased risks of maternal morbidities and detrimental neonatal outcomes.