Perinatal outcome in pregnancy induced hypertensive mothers

ABSTRACT

Hypertensive disorders are common complications of pregnancy and they may have devastating consequences for both the mother and the fetus. The study was carried out to investigate the perinatal outcome in babies born to pregnancy induced hypertensive mothers and to formulate the means, which improve the outcome in such pregnancies. A total of 500 expectant mothers were included in the study and were followed till delivery. Neonates were examined immediately after birth and were followed for one week to record the outcome. The commonest maternal complication was eclampsia in 30 mothers; abruptio placentae occurred in 26 women,13 developed features of HELLP syndrome, and 16 developed congestive cardiac failure. Two mothers died, one with features of HELLP syndrome and the other with pulmonary edema and C.C.F. The incidence of preterm delivery was 61%, while 54% babies were low birth weight, 42% babies were shifted to neonatal unit for intensive care. The commonest illness was respiratory distress syndrome in very low birth weight premature babies and it is also the commonest cause of perinatal death. The overall perinatal mortality in this study was 13% and maternal mortality was 0.4%