Independent Determinants of Maternal and Fetal Outcomes in a Sample of Pregnant Outpatients With Normal Blood Pressure, Chronic Hypertension, Gestational Hypertension, and Preeclampsia

Abstract

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the main independent prognostic factors of negative maternal and fetal outcomes in a relatively large sample of pregnant outpatients (N=906) who were normotensive or affected by chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, or preeclampsia. Among the studied parameters, the ones significantly associated with negative maternal outcomes were a diagnosis of preeclampsia (vs other forms of hypertension or normotension) and higher serum uric acid level, while antihypertensive treatment, number of previous deliveries, and blood pressure (BP) control at deliveries seemed to be protective. Regarding negative fetal outcomes, the parameters significantly associated with a negative maternal outcome were a diagnosis of preeclampsia (vs other forms of hypertension or normotension) and mother pre-pregnancy body mass index, while antihypertensive treatment and BP control at delivery seemed to be protective. Specific patient characteristics should help to predict the risk of negative maternal and fetal outcomes.

Figure 1

Flow chart showing patient selection. Distribution of number of pregnancies by hypertension group. CRF indicates clinical report form.

Figure 2

Systolic blood pressure (SBP) (A) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (B) trend in the different considered groups of women during pregnancy and at delivery. Distribution of antihypertensive drug prescription among different hypertensive patient groups. PE indicates preeclampsia; G‐HT, gestational hypertension; C‐HT, chronic hypertension; NT, normotensive.