Trends of preeclampsia/eclampsia and maternal and neonatal outcomes among women delivering in addis ababa selected government hospitals, Ethiopia: a retrospective cross-sectional study

Prevalence and determinants of adverse perinatal outcomes of preeclampsia with severe features at two selected public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background

Preeclampsia is a new onset of hypertension and either proteinuria or end-organ failure after 20 weeks of gestation. It is a prevalent cause of perinatal mortality, morbidity, and neonatal complications in developing nations including Ethiopia. Thus, the aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of adverse perinatal outcomes among women with preeclampsia with severity features (PEWSF) at two selected public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2023.

Method

A cross-sectional study was carried out among 348 mothers between January 1, 2023, and July 1, 2023. A structured, pre-tested questionnaire was used to gather data from in-person interviews and a review of the patient's medical record. The statistical program Epi-Data version 4.6 was used to enter the data, and SPSS version 26.0 was used for analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to find factors that were associated with unfavorable perinatal outcomes. A p-value of less than 0.05 was used to declare the significance level.

Result

The overall prevalence of unfavorable perinatal outcomes was 59.2% (95% CI: 54.0-63.8). Among the complications, low birth weight, prematurity, NICU admission, and a low fifth-minute APGAR score, encompass 48.9%, 39.4%, 20.4%, and 14.7%, respectively. No formal education [OR = 5.14, 95% CI: (1.93-13.63)], unemployment [OR = 0.42, 95% CI: (0.24-0.73)], referral cases [OR = 2.03, 95% CI: (1.08-4.06), inadequate antenatal care (ANC) contact [OR = 3.63, 95% CI: (1.22-10.71)], and family history of hypertension [OR = 1.99, 95% CI: (1.03-3.85)] have shown a statistically significant association with unfavorable perinatal outcomes.

Conclusion

In this study, the prevalence of unfavorable perinatal outcomes was high compared to other studies in Ethiopia. Level of education, occupation, mode of admission, ANC contact, and family history of hypertension were significant predictors of unfavorable perinatal outcomes. Socio-economic development, improving referral systems, and adequate antenatal care contact are needed to improve unfavorable outcomes. Additionally, antenatal screening and specialized care for high-risk mothers, e.g., those with a family history of hypertension are recommended.

Health Care Readiness in Management of Preeclampsia/Eclampsia in Ethiopia: Evidence from National Facility-Based Survey

Background

Early case detection, treatment, and timely referral for better services can significantly reduce the negative outcomes of preeclampsia and eclampsia. However, evidence on health facilities' readiness to provide such services and the associated challenges is limited in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the readiness of Ethiopian health care facilities to manage preeclampsia and eclampsia.

Methods

This study used the 2016 Ethiopia national emergency management of obstetrics and newborn care (EmONC) survey. This survey was a national cross-sectional census of health facilities that provided delivery services. Data on facility infrastructure, equipment and supplies were collected through a facility checklist, and interview health provider experiences. Cross tabulation, summarisation and chi square tests by facility type, location, and management authority were conducted.

Results

There were 3804 health facilities included in the survey across all regions of Ethiopia. The majority of facilities (92%) were public/government managed with only 1% of available hospitals located in rural areas. Poor availability of dipsticks for proteinuria tests (55.3%), caesarean sections (7.9%), and ambulance services (18.4%) were reported across health facilities with high variations in terms of facility type, location, and type of managing authority. Diazepam was a widely available anticonvulsant compared with magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄), with more available in private for-profit facilities compared with public facilities. Nearly one third of health care providers were not trained to administer MgSO₄ intravenously. The result indicated that the chi-square test was statistically significant at P < 0.001.

Conclusions and Recommendations

There were notable gaps in readiness of facilities in detection and management of preeclampsia/eclampsia that increase maternal and perinatal mortality in Ethiopia. Therefore, availability of essential supplies, medications, and referrals are required. In addition, refresher training to healthcare providers on screening, diagnosis and management of preeclampsia/eclampsia and continuous supervision should be provided.

Vision for Improving Pregnancy Health: Innovation and the Future of Pregnancy Research

Understanding, predicting, and preventing pregnancy disorders have been a major research target. Nonetheless, the lack of progress is illustrated by research results related to preeclampsia and other hypertensive pregnancy disorders. These remain a major cause of maternal and infant mortality worldwide. There is a general consensus that the rate of progress toward understanding pregnancy disorders lags behind progress in other aspects of human health. In this presentation, we advance an explanation for this failure and suggest solutions. We propose that progress has been impeded by narrowly focused research training and limited imagination and innovation, resulting in the failure to think beyond conventional research approaches and analytical strategies. Investigations have been largely limited to hypothesis-generating approaches constrained by attempts to force poorly defined complex disorders into a single "unifying" hypothesis. Future progress could be accelerated by rethinking this approach. We advise taking advantage of innovative approaches that will generate new research strategies for investigating pregnancy abnormalities. Studies should begin before conception, assessing pregnancy longitudinally, before, during, and after pregnancy. Pregnancy disorders should be defined by pathophysiology rather than phenotype, and state of the art agnostic assessment of data should be adopted to generate new ideas. Taking advantage of new approaches mandates emphasizing innovation, inclusion of large datasets, and use of state of the art experimental and analytical techniques. A revolution in understanding pregnancy-associated disorders will depend on networks of scientists who are driven by an intense biological curiosity, a team spirit, and the tools to make new discoveries.

Audit of Clinical Care for Women with Preeclampsia or Eclampsia and Perinatal Outcome in Ethiopia: Second National EmONC Survey

Background

Preeclampsia and eclampsia contribute to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries. However, the evidence on clinical practice in the management of preeclampsia/eclampsia and perinatal outcomes is limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess clinical care and perinatal outcomes for women with preeclampsia/eclampsia admitted to health facilities in Ethiopia.

Methods

This study used the 2016 Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care survey, which included 3804 health facilities. The last two cases of women with preeclampsia/eclampsia who were admitted for birth in each participating health facility were selected and their medical records were reviewed. Descriptive analyses by health facility type, location and management authority were conducted. A chi-squared test was used to test for differences.

Results

Out of the 3804 health-care facilities across the country, we could review a total of 959 medical records of women with preeclampsia or eclampsia. Of all cases, 90% (863) were hospitalised in public health facilities, 542 (56.6%) were admitted at health centre/clinics and 638 (66.3%) were in urban health facilities. A substantial proportion of maternal and newborn information was missing from their medical records. Of the 553 records that recorded perinatal outcomes, the proportion of perinatal mortality prior to discharge was 16.3% (95% CI: 13.4%, 19.6%). A significant perinatal death was recorded among mothers admitted to hospitals (P < 0.01), maternal age 15–24 (P < 0.04), facilities in urban areas (P < 0.01), referred cases (P < 0.007), high systolic and diastolic blood pressure (P < 0.001), unconscious and experience seizure (P < 0.001), newborn with morbidity (P < 0.001), and women who spent more hours before giving birth (P < 0.002).

Conclusions and Recommendations

High perinatal mortality in health facilities was reported and care toward mothers with preeclampsia/eclampsia was limited. Strengthening the health facility readiness to respond for management with data registration and reporting system needs to be improved for evidence-based decision-making on perinatal and maternal health.

A pattern of platelet indices as a potential marker for prediction of pre-eclampsia among pregnant women attending a Tertiary Hospital, Ethiopia: A case-control study

INTRODUCTION

Preeclampsia is the most serious health risk during pregnancy for both the mother and the fetus. Even though platelet parameters are among the proposed biomarkers for the prediction of preeclampsia, the use of its indices in the diagnosis of preeclampsia is not increasing in Ethiopia. There is little information on platelet patterns in preeclampsia and normal pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to determine the pattern of platelet indices in women with preeclampsia in our study setting.

METHODS

A case-control study was conducted among 180 pregnant women who attended anti-natal follow-ups from January 1 to April 3, 2019. An Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid anti-coagulated venous blood was collected and analyzed using a hematology analyzer (MINDRAY®-BC-300Plus, Shenzhen China). The SPSS software version 26 was used to run the Mann Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, and Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test, Post-hock test augmented with Benforeni, receiver operating characteristics curve, and Spear Man rank-order correlation. A P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

A total of 180 pregnant women were included in the study. Platelet count and platelet crit levels tend to decrease as pre-eclampsia becomes more severe. In contrast, the mean platelet volume and platelet distribution widths were significantly increased with the severity of preeclampsia (P<0.001). Platelet distribution width (rho = 0.731, p<0.001) and mean platelet volume (rho = 0.674, p<0.001) had statistically significant positive relationships with mean arterial pressure. The best metric for predicting preeclampsia was platelet distribution width (AUC = 0.986; 95%CI; 0.970, 1).

CONCLUSIONS

Platelet indices, including platelet count, mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, and Platelet crit, have been identified as promising candidate markers for predicting preeclampsia in pregnant women. In the future, a serial examination of these indicators during several trimesters of pregnancy should be conducted.

Perinatal Outcomes and Associated Factors among women with hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy Delivered in Jimma Zone Hospitals, Southwest Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are multisystem diseases that increase the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes worldwide. It Led to early and late serious health consequence on the baby, with a significant proportion occurring in low-income countries. Hence the objective of this study was to determine perinatal outcomes and associated factors among women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy delivered in Jimma zone hospitals.

METHOD

A Facility based cross-sectional study design was employed from March to May 2020 on 211 hypertensive women delivered in the four randomly selected hospitals. The data were collected by reviewing medical record and face to face interview using consecutive sampling technique. Binary and multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify association.

RESULT

Ninety-one (43.1%) of fetuses developed unfavorable perinatal outcome. Inability to read and write (AOR=2.5; 95% CI:1.03-6.17), being primipara (AOR=4.6; 95% CI:1.6-13.2) and multi-para (AOR=3.1; 95% CI:1.09-9.17), Lack of antenatal care visit (AOR=4.2; 95% CI:1.2-15.01), having preeclampsia (AOR=4.2; 95% CI:1.1-16.6) and eclampsia (AOR=5.8; 95% CI:1.2-26.2) and late provision of drug (AOR=3.9;95% CI:1.9-7.9) were independent factors.

CONCLUSION

Pregnancy complicated with hypertensive disorders was associated with increased unfavorable perinatal outcomes. Preeclampsia and eclampsia, inability to read and write, primipara and multipara, lack of antenatal care and late provision of drug were factors associated with unfavorable perinatal outcomes.

Incidence and determinants of adverse outcomes among women who were managed for eclampsia in the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

Background

The incidence of eclampsia and its adverse maternal outcomes are very high in developing countries, particularly in Subsaharan African Countries. Identifying predictors for adverse maternal outcomes of eclampsia has paramount importance for helping health care providers to optimize their management outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the incidence of adverse maternal outcomes of eclampsia and its determinant factors.

Methods

A retrospective follow-up study design was applied. The data were extracted from patient charts using a structured, pre-tested, questionnaire. Descriptive analyses (frequencies, means, and standard deviation) were calculated, and bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to testing the association between independent variables and an outcome variable. After the data were coded and entered into Epi-Info Version 7.2 Software, the data were analyzed using STATA Version 14 Statistical Software.

Results

The magnitude of eclampsia was 5.36 per 1000 pregnancies (95% CI: 4.72, 6.10). The incidence of adverse maternal outcomes in eclamptic mothers was 53.7% (95% CI: 47.02, 60.24%). After adjusting for covariates maternal age 30–34, AOR 5.4 [95% CI = 1.02, 28.6]; age above 34, AOR 10.5 [95% CI = 1.3, 88.6]; gravidity 2–4, AOR 0.3 [95% CI = 0.1, 0.9]; 10 or more convulsions, AOR 4.6 [95% CI = 1.4, 14.9]; mild pyrexia, AOR 20.4 [95% CI = 3.7, 112.7]; moderate pyrexia, AOR 14.6 [95% CI = 1.7125.1]; platelet count below 50,000 cells/mm³, AOR 34.9 [95% CI = 3.6, 336.2]; platelet count between 50,000 and 99,000 cells/mm³, AOR 24.5 [95%CI = 5.4111.6]; and stillbirth of the current pregnancy, AOR 23.2 [95%CI = 2.1257.5] were strong predictors of adverse maternal outcomes in eclamptic mothers.

Conclusions

The incidence of adverse maternal outcomes of eclampsia was found to be high compared to similar studies discussed in this study. This study recommends early identification of patients with the risk factors (having many convulsions, high body temperature, low platelet count, patient age above 30 years, and 2–4 pregnancies), strengthening the referral system, and advocation of research on the area of adverse maternal outcomes and thereby encourage evidence-based medicine.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-021-04199-1.

Treatment Outcomes and Determinants of Eclampsia and Severe Preeclampsia Among Pregnant Women Admitted to Selected Tertiary Hospitals in Ethiopia: A Cohort Study

Background

Eclampsia contributes to 12% of all maternal deaths worldwide during pregnancy. Again, women with severe preeclampsia and eclampsia had a three to 25-fold increased risk of severe complications. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine treatment outcomes and determinants of eclampsia and severe preeclampsia among pregnant women admitted to selected tertiary hospitals.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted on 217 women with eclampsia or severe preeclampsia from April 1 to October 30, 2019. Data were collected from patients' chart, questionnaire-based interviews at baseline and telephone interviews during follow-up. Then, the collected data were entered into EpiData 3.1 and exported to SPSS 21.0 for final analysis. Kaplan-Meier (log rank test) and Cox regression were employed to compare baseline survival experience and to adjust for the predictors of clinical outcomes, respectively.

Results

Of 217 women, 80.2% of them developed maternal complications, while nine (4.2%) women died. Determinant factors of maternal complications were linked with eclampsia case (AHR: 1.98; 95%CI: 1.28-3.06; P=0.002), lack of ANC follow-up (AHR: 1.75; 95%CI: 1.22-2.51; P=0.002), presence of maternal leukocytosis (AHR: 1.53; 95%CI: 1.12-2.09; P=0.008), elevated serum creatinine (AHR: 1.51; 95%CI: 1.05-2.17; P=0.02), and maternal age of 20-35 years (AHR: 0.61; 95%CI: 0.41-0.90; P=0.01).

Conclusion

Despite improved survival of women with preeclampsia/eclampsia, different complications that they experienced remained serious problems. We suggest strategies that comprise frequent ANC follow-up and check-up for women with leukocytosis and kidney impairment so as to optimally prevent and treat eclampsia and preeclampsia during pregnancy.

Association of dietary calcium intake, total and ionized serum calcium levels with preeclampsia in Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Preeclampsia is a well-known cause of maternal mortality and morbidity in Ethiopia. The exact pathophysiology has not been fully understood. Calcium and magnesium deficiencies have been given emphasis to play roles in the pathophysiology. Although evidence is abundant, they are equivocal. The study aimed to see the association of dietary calcium intake, serum total calcium level and ionized calcium level with preeclampsia. It also evaluated the association between dietary calcium intake and serum calcium levels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An unmatched case-control study was conducted in Gandhi Memorial, Tikur Anbessa, and Zewditu Memorial Hospitals, all in Addis Ababa, between October to December, 2019. Cases were 42 women with preeclampsia and controls were 42 normotensive women. The medical and obstetric history was gathered using a structured questionnaire and the dietary calcium intake information using a 24-h dietary recall. The serum levels of total serum calcium and ionized (free) calcium were measured using an inductively coupled mass spectrophotometer. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression and Pearson correlation test were utilized during data analysis.

RESULTS

In comparison with controls, women with preeclampsia had lower mean (± 1SD) levels of ionized calcium level (1.1 mmol/l ± 0.11), total serum calcium level (1.99 mmol/l ± 0.35) and lower median (IQR) dietary calcium intake (704 mg/24 h,458-1183). The odds of having preeclampsia was almost eight times greater in those participants with low serum ionized calcium level (OR 7.5, 95% CI 2.388-23.608) and three times higher in those with low total serum calcium level (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.024-9.370). Low dietary calcium intake also showed statistically significant association with preeclampsia (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.092 -10.723). Serum ionized calcium level and total serum calcium level showed positive correlation of moderate strength (p = 0.004, r = 0.307), but no correlation was found between dietary calcium intake with both forms of serum calcium levels.

CONCLUSION

This study showed significant association between low dietary calcium intake and low serum calcium levels with preeclampsia, hence this can be used as a supportive local evidence for the current context-specific recommendation of calcium supplementation in societies with low-dietary calcium consumption in an attempt to prevent preeclampsia, therefore implementation study should be considered in Ethiopia to look for the feasibility of routine supplementation.

Determinants of pregnancy-induced hypertension on maternal and foetal outcomes in Hossana town administration, Hadiya zone, Southern Ethiopia: Unmatched case-control study

Background

Globally, 292,982 women die due to the complications of pregnancy and childbirth per year, out of those deaths 85% occurs in Sub Saharan Africa. In Ethiopia, pre-eclampsia accounts for 11% of direct maternal deaths.

Objective

To determine maternal and foetal outcomes of pregnancy-induced hypertension among women who gave birth at health facilities in Hossana town administration.

Methods

Institutional based unmatched case-control study was conducted among women, who gave birth at health facilities from May 20 to October 30, 2018. By using Epi-Info version 7; 207 sample size was estimated, for each case two controls were selected. Two health facilities were selected using a simple random sampling method. Sample sizes for each facility were allocated proportionally. All cleaned & coded data were entered into Epi-info version 3.5.1 and analysis was carried out using SPSS version 20. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine predictors of pregnancy-induced hypertension at a p-value of <0.05.

Result

Women between 18 to 41 years old had participated in the study with the mean age of 26.00(SD ±4.42), and 25.87(SD ±5.02) for cases and controls respectively. Out of participants 21(30.4%) among cases and 21(15.2%) among controls had developed at least one complication following delivery. 12 (17.4%) and 8 (5.7%) foetal deaths were found in cases and controls groups respectively whereas 15.6% from cases and 3.6% from controls groups women gave birth to the foetus with intra-uterine growth retardation. Women gravidity AOR = 0.32 [95% CI (0.12 0.86)], Previous history of pregnancy-induced hypertension AOR = 22.50 [95% CI (14.95 16.52)] and educational status AOR = 0.32[95% CI (0.12, 0.85)] were identified as predictor of pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Conclusion

Women with a previous history of pregnancy-induced hypertension had increased risk of developing pregnancy-induced hypertension, whilst ≥ 3 previous pregnancies and informal educational status decrease odds of developing pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Prevalence of Eclampsia and Its Maternal-Fetal Outcomes at Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Addis Ababa Ethiopia, 2019: Retrospective Study

Background

Eclamptic disorder during pregnancy is one of the common problems in sub-Saharan countries and forms one of the deadly triads along with hemorrhage and infection which complicates feto-maternal outcomes of pregnancy. So, the purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of eclampsia and its maternal and fetal outcome in Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Addis Ababa Ethiopia, 2019.

Methods

A descriptive retrospective cross-sectional study was employed on a review of all cases of women who were delivered at Gandhi memorial Hospital from 1st of September 2017 to –last of August 2018. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 software. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate frequencies and percentages and data was presented using texts and, tables.

Results

Out of the total deliveries, the prevalence of eclampsia was found to be 6.2%. In our experience of a very high rate of eclampsia, fortunately, we had only 3 maternal deaths out of the total cases. However, neonatal mortality and stillbirths had been extremely high: 41 (22.1%) of stillbirths and 30.3% neonatal deaths (a total burden of 52.4% of perinatal mortality). About 70.8% had reported a history of prior pregnancy-induced hypertension and 73.5% induced their current pregnancy following eclampsia. From mothers who required interventions to terminate the pregnancy by induction, 47.8% ended by cesarean section secondary to non-reassuring fetal status (29.2%). The majority (91.9%) had taken magnesium sulfate for the management of convulsion and 86.5% had taken hydralazine for hypertension management. Abruption of the placenta (96.2%), postpartum-hemorrhage (89.2%), and HELLP syndrome (83.8%) were major maternal adverse outcomes reported, and 22.1% of pregnancy was ended as stillbirth. Over 53.6% of delivered babies, 18.4% of neonates required admission to nursery/NICU referral.

Conclusion

The prevalence of eclampsia was relatively high, with corresponding high maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Increasing early detection before pregnancy, antenatal screening, and the use of magnesium sulfate to control convulsions will reduce the disorder and associated morbidity and mortality for both mother and fetus.

A five-year trend in pre-eclampsia admission and factors associated with inpatient eclampsia: a retrospective study from a resource-limited hospital in northeast Ethiopia

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the 5-year trend of pre-eclampsia admission, magnitude and factor associated with inpatient eclampsia among deliveries involving pre-eclampsia which have been attended at one of the resource-limited public hospitals in northeast Ethiopia.

DESIGN

Retrospective medical record review study.

SETTING

Woldia General Hospital Medical archive, Woldia town, Ethiopia.

PARTICIPANTS

All antenatal admission and deliveries involving pre-eclampsia attended from 2011 to 2016 at the hospital were included in the review.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Trend of pre-eclampsia admission was determined using non-parametric Mann-Kendall correlation. Case management, clinical and patient-related factors were tested for possible association with the development of inpatient eclampsia using binary logistic regression. P value less than 0.05 considered significant.

RESULT

Across the 5-year period, there were 8764 deliveries attended at the hospital's labour and delivery ward, of them 241 (2.76%) were co-diagnosed with pre-eclampsia. The trend showed marginal decrement through years (tau-b correlation coefficient (Tb)=-0.4, p=0.035) with the highest caseload (4.4%) observed on year 2013/2014. The rate of inpatient eclampsia was 19.6 per 10 000 births and the likelihood of its occurrence among pre-eclamptic women was 7.1% (95% CI 2.7% to 11.5%). In multivariate analysis, being multigravida (adjusted OR (AOR) 0.154, 95% CI 0.029 to 0.831) and spontaneous onset of labour (AOR 5.628, 95% CI 1.1247 to 9.401) were associated with inpatient eclampsia.

CONCLUSION

In the study setting, the overall magnitude of pre-eclampsia admission was comparable with the global average, but its yearly trend showed marginal decrement from 2011 to 2016. High rate of inpatient eclampsia might indicate undertreatment which alarms further study and/or corrective measures. Waiting for spontaneous onset of labour could increase the risk of developing inpatient eclampsia whereas neither type of anticonvulsant nor duration of its usage has made significant association.

Comparative risks and predictors of preeclamptic pregnancy in the Eastern, Western and developing world

Preeclampsia (PE) is a complication of pregnancy characterized by hypertension (HTN-Preg), and often proteinuria. If not managed promptly, PE could lead to eclampsia and seizures. PE could also lead to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and prematurity at birth. Although PE is a major cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Also, there is a wide variability in the incidence of PE, ranging between 2 and 8% of pregnancies in the Eastern, Western and Developing world, suggesting regional differences in the risk factors and predictors of the pregnancy-related disorder. Several demographic, genetic, dietary and environmental factors, as well as maternal circulating biomarkers have been associated with PE. Demographic factors such as maternal race and ethnicity could play a role in PE. Specific genetic polymorphisms have been identified in PE. Maternal age, parity, education and socioeconomic status could be involved in PE. Dietary fat, protein, calcium and vitamins, body weight, and environmental factors including climate changes and air pollutants could also play a role in PE. Several circulating cytoactive factors including anti-angiogenic factors and cytokines have also been associated with PE. Traditional midwifery care is a common practice in local maternity care units, while advanced perinatal care and new diagnostic tools such as uterine artery Doppler velocimetry have been useful in predicting early PE in major medical centers. These PE risk factors, early predictors and diagnostic tools vary vastly in different regions of the Eastern, Western and Developing world. Further understanding of the differences in the demographic, genetic, dietary and environmental factors among pregnant women in different world regions should help in designing a region-specific cluster of risk factors and predictors of PE, and in turn provide better guidance for region-specific tools for early detection and management of PE.

The impact of pregnancy induced hypertension on low birth weight in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Even though neonatal mortality reduction is the major goal needed to be achieved by 2030, it is still unacceptably high especially in Ethiopia. In the other hand, low birth weight is the major cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. More than 10 millions of low birth weight infants occurred as a result of pregnancy induced hypertension. However, in Ethiopia the association between low birth weight and pregnancy induced hypertension was represented with un-updated, inconclusive and different studies. Therefore, this review aimed to estimate the overall pooled impact of pregnancy induced hypertension on low birth weight and its association in Ethiopia.

Methods

articles searched on PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane library, Google, Google Scholar and local shelves. Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI) was applied for critical appraisal. The I² statistic was computed to check the presence of heterogeneity. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plot asymmetry and Egger’s test. A random effect model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of low birth weight.

Result

From the total 131 identified original articles, 25 were eligible and included for the final analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of low birth weight among women who had pregnancy induced hypertension in Ethiopia was 39.7% (95% CI: 33.3, 46.2). But, I² statistic estimation evidenced significant heterogeneity across included studies (I² = 89.4, p < 0.001). In addition, the odds of having low birth weight newborns among women who had pregnancy induced hypertension was 3.89 times higher compared to their counterparts (OR = 3.89, 95% CI: 2.66, 5.69).

Conclusion

The pooled prevalence of low birth weight among women who had pregnancy induced hypertension was more than two times higher than the pooled estimate of low birth weight among all reproductive aged women. The odds of low birth weight also increased nearly four times among women with pregnancy induced hypertension than normotensive women. Therefore, health policies which provide better and quality antenatal care with more oriented on importance of early detection and management of pregnancy induced hypertension should be implemented.

Incidence and Predictors of Pre-Eclampsia Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Debre Markos Referral Hospital, North West Ethiopia: Prospective Cohort Study

Background

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy-induced hypertension that occurs after 20 weeks of gestation. It is the leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality globally, but it is higher in developing countries. In Ethiopia, conducting research on the incidence and predictors of pre-eclampsia is crucial due to the paucity of information.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was undertaken using 242 pregnant women between November 1, 2018 and March 30, 2019 at Debre Markos Referral Hospital. All eligible women who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in this study. Data were entered into the epic-data Version 4.2 and analyzed using the STATA Version 14.0 software. The Cox-proportional hazard regression model was fitted and Cox-Snell residual test was used to assess the goodness of fit. Pre-eclampsia free survival time was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier survival curve. Both bivariable and multivariable Cox-proportional hazard regression models were fitted to identify predictors of pre-eclampsia.

Results

The overall incidence rate of pre-eclampsia was 3.35 per 100 person-years. Having a pre-existing history of diabetes mellitus [AHR=2.7 (95% CI=1.43–8.81)], having a history of multiple pregnancy [AHR=3.4 (95% CI=2.8–6.9)] and being ≥35 years old age [AHR=2.5 (95% CI=1.42–3.54)] were the significant predictors of pre-eclampsia.

Conclusion

The incidence of pre-eclampsia was high in this study. Having (pre-existing diabetes and multiple pregnancy) and being ≥35 years old age were the significant predictors of pre-eclampsia. Inspiring pregnant women’s health-seeking behavior should provide a chance to diagnose pre-eclampsia early to prevent the medical complication of pre-eclampsia.

Prevalence and determinants of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Hypertensive disorder of pregnancy is the second commonest causes of maternal death globally. Different public health studies were conducted on hypertensive disorder of pregnancy which presented inconsistent result. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was commenced to summarize the findings conducted in several parts of the country and to generate the nationwide representative data on the prevalence and risk factors of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy in Ethiopia.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Hinari, and African Journals Online were searched for studies published in English up to March, 2020. Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale were used for data extraction and quality assessment of the included studies. The meta- regression analysis was computed at 95% CI to present the pooled prevalence and risk factors of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy.

RESULTS

Thirty four studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy and preeclampsia in Ethiopia were 6.82% (95% CI (5.90, 7.74)) and 4.74% (95% CI (3.99, 5.49)) respectively. Maternal age ≥35 years (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 2.91 (95% CI: 1.60, 5.26)), twin pregnancy (AOR: 3.04 (95% CI: 1.89, 4.87)), previous history of preeclampsia (AOR: 5.36 (95% CI: 3.37, 8.53)), family history of hypertension (AOR: 4.01 (95% CI: 2.65, 6.07)), family history of diabetes mellitus (AOR: 3.07 (95% CI: 1.66, 7.70)), body mass index ≥25 (AOR: 3.92 (95% CI: 1.82, 8.42)), alcohol consumption (AOR: 1.77 (95% CI: 1.11, 2.83)), urinary tract infection (AOR: 4.57 (95% CI: 3.47, 6.02)), lack of nutritional counseling during antenatal period (AOR: 4.87 (95% CI: 3.36, 7.06)), lack of fruits (AOR: 3.49 (95% CI: 2.29, 5.30)), and vegetables consumption (AOR: 2.94 (95% CI: 2.01, 4.31)) were the risk factors of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy in Ethiopia.

CONCLUSIONS

The pooled prevalence of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy is relatively higher compared with the previous reports. Maternal age ≥35 years, twin pregnancy, previous history of preeclampsia, family history of hypertension, family history of diabetes mellitus, body mass index ≥25, alcohol consumption, urinary tract infection, lack of fruits and vegetables during pregnancy were risk factors of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. The governments and stakeholders should work to strengthen the antenatal care practice to include the possible risk factors of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Maternal and perinatal outcome of preeclampsia without severe feature among pregnant women managed at a tertiary referral hospital in urban Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Preeclampsia refers to the new onset of hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation in a previously normotensive woman. Pregnant women with preeclampsia are at an increased risk of adverse maternal, fetal and neonatal complications. The objective of the study is, therefore, to determine the maternal and perinatal outcome of preeclampsia without severity feature among women managed at a tertiary referral hospital in urban Ethiopia.

METHODS

A hospital-based prospective observational study was conducted to evaluate the maternal and perinatal outcome of pregnant women who were on expectant management with the diagnosis of preeclampsia without severe feature at a referral hospital in urban Ethiopia from August 2018 to January 2019.

RESULTS

There were a total of 5400 deliveries during the study period, among which 164 (3%) women were diagnosed with preeclampsia without severe features. Fifty-one (31.1%) patients with preeclampsia without severe features presented at a gestational age between 28 to 33 weeks plus six days, while 113 (68.9%) presented at a gestational age between 34 weeks to 36 weeks. Fifty-two (31.7%) women had maternal complication of which, 32 (19.5%) progressed to preeclampsia with severe feature Those patients with early onset of preeclampsia without severe feature were 5.22 and 25.9 times more likely to develop maternal and perinatal complication respectively compared to late-onset after 34 weeks with P-value of <0.0001, (95% CI 2.01-13.6) and <0.0001(95% CI 5.75-115.6) respectively.

CONCLUSION

In a setting where home-based self-care is poor expectant outpatient management of preeclampsia without severe features with a once per week visit is not adequate. It's associated with an increased risk of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Our findings call for special consideration and close surveillance of those women with early-onset diseases.

Preeclampsia management modalities and perinatal death: a retrospective study in Woldia general hospital

BACKGROUND

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are among the most common causes of perinatal death. The disorders are highly linked to multiple factors that make prediction and prevention challenging. Early diagnosis and proper management play a crucial role in the wellbeing and life of the women and her baby. In this study, we aimed to assess the association between different management options of preeclampsia and perinatal death at a public hospital in Ethiopia.

METHODS

A document review was conducted on 241 preeclamptic patients' medical files who have been admitted and delivered in Woldia General Hospital from 2011 to 2016. The study was conducted from August 8 - September 10, 2017 in the aforementioned public hospital in Woldia town, Ethiopia. Associations were tested using Pearson chi squared test and binary logistic regression with a p-value < 0.05 considered significant.

RESULT

In this study, nearly 20 every 100 neonates from preeclamptic women has been died and the figure was higher (76.59% Vs 23.4%) among neonates from severe preeclamptic women than mild preeclamptic women (p = 0.01). More than two thirds of the patients (69.3%) received magnesium sulfate to prevent convulsion. Perinatal death among women with diastolic blood pressures greater than 110 mmHg at admission was nearly 3 times (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 2.824; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) (1.154-6.038)) higher compared to women with diastolic blood pressures below 110 mmHg.

CONCLUSION

In the 5-year period, the magnitude of perinatal death among inpatient preeclamptic women was remarkably high and of which stillbirths exceeded pre-discharge early neonatal death. Utilization of magnesium sulfate tended to increase across years. Maternal diastolic blood pressure at admission was significantly associated with perinatal death.

Cohabitation duration, obstetric, behavioral and nutritional factors predict preeclampsia among nulliparous women in West Amhara Zones of Ethiopia: Age matched case control study

BACKGROUND

Preeclampsia is a major cause of maternal and perinatal mortality in developing countries. Identifying its risk factors is essential for early diagnosis and management. However, there has been a paucity of information on predictors of preeclampsia among nulliparous women in a resource limited setting. This study bridges the gap in this regard by examining the association of cohabitation duration, obstetric, behavioral and nutrition factors with preeclampsia among nulliparous women in West Amhara Zones of Ethiopia.

METHODS

Age matched case-control study design was employed among 110 preeclamptic and 220 non-preeclamptic women who came for delivery services at Felege Hiwot, Addis Alem, and Debre Tabor hospitals. Double population proportion formula with an assumption of 95% confidence interval, 80% power and a 2:1 control to case ratio was used to calculate sample size. Epi data 3.1 and SPSS 20 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Magnitudes of cohabitation duration, obstetric, behavioral and nutritional factors among nulliparous women with preeclampsia and their controls were calculated and the differences were tested with a Chi-square test. Conditional bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were fitted to identify predictors of preeclampsia. Odds ratio along with their 95% confidence interval were used to identify the strength, direction and significance of association. Ethical clearance was secured from the research ethics committee of the School of Public Health in Addis Ababa University.

RESULTS

A total of 107 cases and 214 controls completed the interview giving a response rate of 97.27% for both cases and controls. Short cohabitation duration (AOR = 2.13, 95% CI (1.10, 4.1)), unplanned pregnancy (AOR = 2.35, 95% CI (1.01, 5.52)), and high body weight (AOR = 2.00, 95% CI (1.10, 3.63)) were found to be significant risk factors for preeclampsia. Whereas, antenatal advice about nutrition (AOR = 0.52, 95% CI (0.29, 0.96)), vegetable intake (AOR = 0.42, 95% CI (0.22, 0.82)) and fruit intake during pregnancy (AOR = 0.45, 95% CI (0.24, 0.87)) were protective factors for preeclampsia.

CONCLUSION

Special attention should be given to nulliparous women with short cohabitation duration, unplanned pregnancy, and high body weight to minimize the effect of preeclampsia. Nutritional counseling shall be stressed during antenatal care follow ups.

Prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are one of the leading causes of poor pregnancy outcomes and are associated with increased rates of maternal mortality, preterm birth, small for gestational age newborns, stillbirth, and neonatal death. The overall and type-specific prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and associated pregnancy outcomes are unknown in Sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, this review aimed to identify the prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and associated pregnancy outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on observational facility-based studies irrespective of publication status, sample size, language, and follow-up duration from 19 countries between the years 2000 and 2018 in Sub-Saharan Africa. A review of studies using PubMed, EMBASE, African Index Medicus, and African Journals Online was completed with independent extraction of studies by review authors using the predefined inclusion criteria. Quality and risk of bias of individual studies were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist. Random effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and type-specific hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. A pooled adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval for each study was calculated using comprehensive meta-analysis version 2 software to estimate the association of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and its outcomes. The existence of heterogeneity was assessed using I2 and its corresponding P value. We assessed the presence of publication bias using the Egger's test. Subgroup analysis was performed to assess the potential effect of variables, and a sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess any undue influence from studies. The analysis included 70 studies. The pooled prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (all types combined), chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia were 8% (95% confidence interval = [5, 10]), 0.9% (95% confidence interval = [0.4, 1.8]), 4.1% (95% confidence interval = [2.4, 7]), 4.1% (95% confidence interval = [3.2, 5.1]), and 1.5% (95% confidence interval = [1, 2]), respectively. Compared with normotensive pregnant or postpartum women, women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were associated with increased risk of maternal mortality, odds ratio = 17 (95% confidence interval = [9.6, 28.8]); cesarean section, odds ratio = 3.1 (95% confidence interval = [1.7, 5.6]); perinatal mortality, odds ratio = 8.2 (95% confidence interval = [2.8, 24]); low birth weight, odds ratio = 3.2 (95% confidence interval = [2, 5]); and preterm delivery, odds ratio = 7.8 (95% confidence interval = [2.5, 25.3]) according to this analysis. The pooled prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy was high in Sub-Saharan Africa compared to those reported from other regions. Pregnant or postpartum women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy have increased risk of maternal mortality, cesarean section, preterm delivery, perinatal mortality, and low birth weight newborn. Therefore, creating awareness of the risks of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy is essential. Pregnant women with hypertensive disorders need due attention to manage appropriately and more importantly to have favorable outcomes in this population.

Maternal and perinatal outcomes of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy complicate around 6% of pregnancies and accounts for 19% of maternal death in Ethiopia. The current review aimed to assess maternal and perinatal outcomes of pregnancies complicated by hypertension in Ethiopia.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was done on the outcome of hypertensive disorder among pregnant women in Ethiopia. Literature search was made in five databases and Statistical analyses were carried out by using Stata 14 software. The pooled prevalence of maternal death, HELLP syndrome, perinatal death, and low birth weight was calculated using a random-effects model. Egger's test and funnel plot were used to evaluate publication bias. The Cochran Q test and I2 test statistics were used to test the heterogeneity of studies.

RESULT

Thirteen studies included in the review, with an overall sample size of 5894 women diagnosed to have hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. The pooled prevalence of maternal death was estimated to be 4% (95% CI: 2, 6%). The pooled prevalence of HELLP syndrome was 13% (95% CI: 10, 16%). Other complications such as pulmonary edema, kidney injury, hepatic injury, placental abruption, and aspiration pneumonia were also reported. Perinatal death was observed in one-fourth of women with HDP 25% (95% CI: 18, 32%). The pooled prevalence of low birth weight neonate in a woman with HDP is 37% (95% CI, 27, 48%).

CONCLUSIONS

In Ethiopia, the prevalence of perinatal and maternal mortality among pregnant women with one of the hypertensive disorders were found to be higher than rates reported from high income as well as most of the low and middle income countries. For instance, one in four of pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disorder end up in perinatal death in Ethiopia. HELLP syndrome, placental abruption, pulmonary edema, renal damage, prematurity, perinatal asphyxia, and low birth weight were also commonly reported. To improve the health outcomes of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, it is recommended to improve utilization of maternal health service; early detection and early referral of pregnant women with hypertensive disorder; advocating policies and strategies that improves the quality of health care that a pregnant woman and her newborn receive.

The REVAMP study: research exploring various aspects and mechanisms in preeclampsia: study protocol

Background

Preeclampsia is a major cause of maternal, fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries. Considering the burden of preeclampsia and its associated complications, it is important to understand the underlying risk factors and mechanisms involved in its etiology. There is considerable interest in the potential for dietary long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) as a therapeutic intervention to prevent preeclampsia, as they are involved in angiogenesis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory pathways.

Methods

The REVAMP study (Research Exploring Various Aspects and Mechanisms in Preeclampsia) follows a cohort of pregnant women from early pregnancy until delivery to examine longitudinally the associations of maternal LCPUFA with clinical outcome in preeclampsia. A multisite centre for advanced research was established and pregnant women coming to Bharati hospital and Gupte hospital, Pune, India for their first antenatal visit are recruited and followed up at 11–14 weeks, 18–22 weeks, 26–28 weeks, and at delivery. Their personal, obstetric, clinical, and family history are recorded. Anthropometric measures (height, weight), food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), physical activity, socioeconomic status, fetal ultrasonography, and color Doppler measures are recorded at different time points across gestation. Maternal blood at all time points, cord blood, and placenta at delivery are collected, processed and stored at − 80 °C. The children’s anthropometry is assessed serially up to the age of 2 years, when their neurodevelopmental scores will be assessed.

Discussion

This study will help in early identification of pregnant women who are at risk of developing preeclampsia. The prospective design of the study for the first time will establish the role of LCPUFA in understanding the underlying biochemical and molecular mechanisms involved in preeclampsia and their association with developmental programming in children.

Perinatal outcomes of severe preeclampsia/eclampsia and associated factors among mothers admitted in Amhara Region referral hospitals, North West Ethiopia, 2018

Objective

This study was aimed to assess perinatal outcomes of severe preeclampsia/eclampsia and associated factors among mothers admitted in Amhara Region referral hospitals, North West Ethiopia, 2018.

Results

This study revealed that the overall prevalence of unfavorable perinatal outcome from the severe preeclamptic/eclamptic mothers was 46.5%. It shows that the finding of unfavorable perinatal outcome was high which needs an obligation to put our recommendation as improvement of health care set ups for preventions as well as interventions of such problems. Variables which were positively associated with unfavorable perinatal outcomes were: maternal educational status (AOR = 6.6, 95% CI 1.32, 10.03), parity (AOR = 8.3, 95% CI 6.27, 27.02), gestational age in weeks (AOR = 9.6, 95% CI 2, 18.65) and time of drug given for the mother (AOR = 3.8, 95% CI 1.81, 8.07).

Perinatal outcomes of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy at a referral hospital, Southern Ethiopia

Introduction

Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy (HDP) complicate about 10% of pregnancies. It accounts to 50% of maternal death in sub-Saharan Africa and precedes 15% of perinatal deaths worldwide. In this study, we looked at the perinatal outcomes and factors associated with unfavorable perinatal outcomes among women with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy at Wolaita Sodo teaching and referral hospital, southern Ethiopia.

Methods

A hospital based retrospective cross-sectional study design was employed among women hospitalized for hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. Socio-demographic, obstetrics, clinical laboratory, pregnancy complications and outcome were checked from patient records. Descriptive statistics were used to describe parameters collected from patient records. Bivariate and multiple logistic regressions were done to determine factors associated with unfavorable perinatal outcome. A P-value of less than 0.05 and 95% confidence interval not including 1 were considered statically significant.

Results

There were 168 (2.3%) cases of HDP of the total 7, 347 deliveries during the period of the study from January 2014-December 2016. 72.5% of mothers (72.5%) had vaginal delivery and 26.1% had Caesarean Section. This study revealed a perinatal mortality rate of 111.1 per 1000 live births. On bivariate logistic regression variables such as referral status, diastolic blood pressure, ANC use, types of HDP, fetal weight at birth, maternal complication and maternal outcome were found to be associated with unfavorable perinatal outcomes. On multiple logistic regression fetal weight at birth and maternal outcome were found to be an independent predictors of unfavorable perinatal outcome.

Conclusion

Our study shows higher perinatal mortality in a tertiary hospital where emergency obstetric and newborn care is set and quality obstetric care is expected. However, tertiary facilities manage difficult cases which can explain the high PMR. But it is high which means there is enough room for improvement. Hence, the referral hospital and neighboring health facilities should give due emphasis for early detection and management of women with HDP.

The umbilical cord, preeclampsia and the VEGF family

Introduction

The VEGF family has been identified as abnormal in preeclampsia (PE). Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are major contributors to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide; likewise, umbilical cord anatomical abnormalities (UCAA) are linked to poor neonatal outcomes. Based on the relationship described between PE and UCAA and the role of the VEGF family in PE, this study explored VEGF expression in placental and UC tissued from patients with PE and with UCAA.

Methods

We performed an observational, analytical study on placentas, comparing protein and mRNA expression in four groups: patients with PE, patients with UC abnormalities, patients with both, and patients with none of them. Using immunohistochemistry, we studied VEGF A, VEGF R1 (FLT1), MMP1, and PLGF. With quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction we described mRNA expression of PLGF, VEGF and sFLT1, and sFLT1/PLGF ratio.

Results

Forty newborns were included. Sixty-seven percent of mothers and 45% of newborns developed no complications. Immunohistochemistry was performed on UC and placental disc paraffin-embedded tissue; in the latter, the mRNA of the VEGF family was also measured. Statistically significant differences were observed among different expressions in both HDP and UCAA groups. Interestingly, the UCAA group exhibited lower levels of sFLT1 and VEGF-A in comparison with other groups, with significant P-value for sFLT1 (P=0000.1).

Conclusion

The origin of UCAA abnormalities and their relation with HDP are still unknown. VEGF family alterations could be involved in both. This study provides the first approach related to molecules linked to UCAA.

Thoracic fluid content: a novel parameter for detection of pulmonary edema in parturients with preeclampsia

Acute pulmonary oedema is a serious complication of preeclampsia. Early detection of pulmonary edema in preeclampsia would improve fluid management and would also allow earlier detection of severe cases. The aim of this work is to evaluate the ability of thoracic fluid content measured by electrical cardiometry for early detection of pulmonary edema in parturients with preeclampsia. A prospective observational study included a cohort of preeclamptic parturients. On admission, lung ultrasound score was calculated, and thoracic fluid content was recorded using electrical cardiometry ICON device. Area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve was calculated for lung ultrasound score, thoracic fluid content for detection of pulmonary edema. Spearman correlation coefficient was calculated for correlation between lung ultrasound score and thoracic fluid content. Sixty patients were included in the study; of them, 6 patients (10%) required diuretics for pulmonary edema. Patients with pulmonary edema had higher lung ultrasound score and thoracic fluid content compared to other patients. Good correlation was reported between Lung ultrasound score and thoracic fluid content (r = 0.82). Thoracic fluid content and lung ultrasound score showed excellent diagnostic properties for pulmonary edema {AUROC: 0.941 (0.849-0.986), best cut-off value: 40 k ohm^-1}, and {AUROC: 0.961 (0.887-0.994), best cut-off value of 15.7}. In parturients with preeclampsia, both lung ultrasound score and thoracic fluid content showed excellent properties for detection pulmonary edema. The high negative predictive value of both tests makes them useful screening tests to rule out pulmonary edema. The excellent correlation between both measures suggests that electrical cardiometry could be a promising surrogate to ultrasound for assessment of extravascular lung water.

Prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in Ethiopia: a systemic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Although hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are the leading cause of poor perinatal outcomes in Ethiopia, there is no study that shows the national prevalence. Therefore, the aim of this study was to estimate the national pooled prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy from studies conducted in different parts of the country.

METHODS

Databases; MEDLINE, PubMed, HINARI, EMBASE, Google Scholar and African Journals Online were searched by using different search terms on HDP and Ethiopia. Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument was used for critical appraisal of studies. The analysis was done using STATA 14 software. The Cochran Q test and I2 test statistics were used to test heterogeneity of studies. Egger's test was used to show the publication bias. The pooled prevalence of HDP and the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval was presented using forest plots.

RESULT

Seventeen studies were included in this review, with a total of 258,602 pregnant women. The overall pooled prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in Ethiopia was 6.07% (95% CI: 4.83%, 7.31%). The Subgroup analysis by region and year of study showed a higher prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region, 10.13% (95% CI = (8.5, 12.43)), and reduction in the rate of HDP from 1990's to 2010's, 8.54% reducing to 5.71% respectively. The pooled prevalence of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and preeclampsia/eclampsia alone were 6.29 and 5.47 respectively. Pregnant women ≥ 35 years old are more likely to develop hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, OR = 1.64 (95% CI = (1.18, 2.28)). No statistically significant difference was observed between HDP and younger maternal age (less than 20 years old); OR = 2.92 (95% CI = (0.88, 9.70)). There was no association between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and number of pregnancy, OR = 1.37 (95% CI = 0.78, 2.41)).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy is high in Ethiopia. The problem is more common among older pregnant women (> 35 years old). Government and other stakeholders should give due attention to an early screening of hypertension during pregnancy.