Toxaemia of pregnancy and risk of mortality in later life: evidence from the Royal College of General Practitioners' Oral Contraception Study

Abstract

Objective: To examine whether toxaemia of pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of mortality, in particular premature death.

Methods: A cohort nested within the Royal College of General Practitioners' Oral Contraception Study focusing on women who never used oral contraceptives. A total of 2865 parous women with a history of toxaemia of pregnancy were compared with 11,460 parous women without such a history. Adjusted hazards ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for death from all causes, vascular disease and cancer. Risk of premature death before the age of 65 years was compared between the two groups.

Results: Women with a history of toxaemia had a significant increased risk of death from any cause (adjusted HR 1.20, 95% CI 1.04-1.39) and from vascular disease (adjusted HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.05-1.82). Women with a history of toxaemia who did not subsequently develop hypertension or vascular disease had significantly increased risks of all-cause and vascular mortality. These risks were not found among women who developed these conditions. Toxaemia of pregnancy was not associated with premature death.

Conclusion: Toxaemia of pregnancy was associated with increased mortality but not premature death.