Appraisement of Preponderance and Risk Factors of Gestational Hypertension in a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India

The aim of this prospective observational study was to appraise the preponderance and risk factors of gestational hypertension in a tertiary care referral hospital and also to evaluate the complications associated with Gestational hypertension and to study the delivery and foetal outcomes of such patients. The study was carried out at the in-patient and out -patient setting of a private tertiary level hospital at the Malabar region of Kerala. Based on inclusion criteria, a total of 150 eligible consenting antenatal mothers were enrolled and participated in the study. All the study subjects were screened for GHTN. The prevalence and number of risk factors for GHTN were identified. The percentage of caesarean delivery and low birth weight of infants in GHTN patients were compared to non GHTN patients. The prevalence of GHTN is about 23%. The risk factors for GHTN were age> 35 yrs, overweight, history of hypertension as well as family history of hypertension and diabetes. The prevalence of pre- term birth, IUGR, NICU admission was significantly higher in women in GHTN than those with non GHTN. The percentage of caesarean delivery is higher in GHTN women than that of non GHTN women and the percentage of low birth weight of infants is higher in GHTN patients when compared to non GHTN patients. Nifedipine is commonly used in the management of GHTN.The possible risk factors confirmed in the study may be useful for the development of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of GHTN.