Pre-eclampsia: Prevention strategies

ABSTRACT

The objective of the study was to assess the use of pharmacological prophylasix by health care providers in women with risk factors of pregnruy induced hypertension. One hundred hypertensive women who were referred to Gynecology Unit - I of Liaquat University Hospital during one year period from 1st January, 2000 to 31st December, 2000 were evaluated thoroughly by history, examination and management out come. The inclusion criteria were women with pregnancy of > 20 weeks, with diastolic B.P > 100 mm of Hg on two occasions 4 hours apart. Eight-three women had at least one of the risk factors and 40 of them visited some kind of healthcare facility. None was prescribed prophylactic medication. A total of 50 women had eclampsia. Perinatal mortality was 20 and maternal mortality was 7. We conclude that the lack of awareness about prophylaxis among care givers may be responsible for high maternal and perinatal mortality