Epidemiologic investigation of primigravid pre- eclamptic patients

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to define and evaluate the potential risk factors to be investigated in terms of the severity of preeclampsia in primigravid patients. Material and Method: Four hundred and fifty pre- eclamptic primigravid pregnant women admitted to the Dr. Zekai Tahir Burak Women Health Research and Education Hospital, Perinatology Clinic were included in to the study between January 1, 2003 and November 31, 2007. All the demographic values and laboratory results were investigated retrospectively. Results: Most of the primigravid preeclamptic patients (69.2%) were included into Group 2 (severe pre- eclempsia), whereas 30,8% of them into Group 1 (mild preeclampsia). The mean age of the patients was 24 (16-41) years old, and similar between both of the groups (p:0,30). The mean of body mass indexes of the pre-pregnancy period and the weight gaining during the pregnancy were similar in both groups (p:0,72 and p: 0,36, respectively). The presences of smoking and regular antenatal visits were not related with the severity of preeclampsia. The diagnosis was established earlier gestational week in severe preeclampsia than the mild one, and the main route of delivery was cesarean section in severe preeclampsia. Neonatal morbidities and mortalities were all higher in Group 2. Forty-one percent of the patients did not have any symptoms during the first admission of the hospital, the routine investigations revealed the diagnosis of preeclampsia mostly. Hemoconcentration was mainly seen in severe preeclampsia, and liver enzyme dysfunction was also common in the same group. Conclusion: In order to prevent maternal and neonatal complications, the early diagnosis of preeclampsia is mandatory. To determine the incidence and possible risk factors of preeclampsia environmental conditions and circumstances should be investigated periodically. With the increasing city life and maternal age of planned pregnancy due to participating of women in daily working life, preeclampsia may be thought as emerging problem in the near future