[Relationship between migraine and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy]

ABSTRACT

Pregnancy induced hypertension [PIH], is a highly prevalent disorder. This study was done to define the relationship between pregnancy induced hypertension and migraine in women attending Kashan hospitals, Iran, in 2007. This was a case-control study. The subjects were recruited using a consecutive sampling method, based on documented practitioner diagnosis of PIH. Subjects were assigned to two groups of case and control. Ninety women were allocated to each group. Data collection was done through a questionnaire that included demographic details, medical and obstetrics history, and details of migraine attacks. Validity and reliability of the questionnaire were assessed using content validity and test-retest methods. The two groups were matched to eliminate confounding factors. SPSS software was used for data analysis. 180 women in two groups of 90 cases and 90 controls, with average age of 27.3 +/- 5.9 and 27.66 +/- 5.2 respectively, participated in the study. Majority were housewives with primary to middle school education, with a BMI >26, and no history of hypertension in their family or in previous pregnancies. Ten percent of subjects were affected by migraine and there were no cases of migraine with aura. Results demonstrated that history of migraine was positive in 14.4% of the case group and 5.6% of controls [Odds Ratio= 2.87]. History of migraine could be considered as a risk factor for Pregnancy Induced Hypertension