Determinants of Preeclampsia in a Tertiary Hospital in South East Nigeria

Background: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related disorder. Symptoms commonly associated with it include elevated blood pressure, protein in the urine and leg swelling. It is one of the leading causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality especially in limited resource settings. This study was aimed at determining the risk factors for preeclampsia in a tertiary hospital in south east Nigeria. Methods:  This was a retrospective case-control study carried out at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University teaching hospital Awka, south east of Nigeria. There were 50 cases with 100 controls. Data was retrieved from hospital case notes of both cases and controls. Tables were used to illustrate the descriptive statistics comparing the cases and controls. Categorical variables were compared using the Chi-square test. To ascertain the determinants of preeclampsia, Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted.                                                                                              Results: Maternal age less than 30 years, lower educational status, primigravida, previous history of pregnancy induced hypertension, polyhydramnios, maternal obesity, chronic hypertension, diabetes, and family history of preeclampsia were predictive of preeclampsia (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.50, 9.08, 20.25, 76.47, 5.11, 7.53, 2.73, 10.78, and 3.57 respectively). Conclusions: The identified determinants of preeclampsia from this study especially previous history of pregnancy induced hypertension, primigravida, family history of preeclampsia among others should serve as a basis for the screening of antenatal clinic attendees for preeclampsia. This will serve to identify at risk pregnant women, and enhance early diagnosis and intervention to improve feto-maternal outcomes.