Clinical maternal risk parameters for the occurrence of maternal and fetal complications during preeclampsia in Congolese women

Several studies have demonstrated that predicting complications of preeclampsia up to 48 h before their occurrence enhances clinical management. This predictive ability allows for rational approaches in dealing with groups at high risk of maternal-fetal complications.

Objective

This study aims to identify the clinical parameters strongly associated with maternal-fetal complications during preeclampsia in Congolese pregnant women.

Method

A descriptive and analytical study was conducted in the provincial city of Kinshasa from July 2018 to December 2021. The study population consisted of pregnant women with preeclampsia in three maternity units in Kinshasa. Determinants of complications were assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression.

Results

In univariate logistic regression models, obesity, a history of hypertension, severe hypertension, and SpO₂ < 90 % were identified as determinants of maternal-fetal complications. Conversely, a history of preeclampsia, treatment with MgSO₄, or a combination of AntiHTA and MgSO₄ reduced the risk of complications.

In the multivariate model, after adjusting for all significant variables in the univariate model, severe hypertension, obesity, and SpO₂ < 90 % were identified as independent determinants of maternal-fetal complications. The risk of complication was multiplied by 5 for severe hypertension, by 4 for obesity, and by 2 for SpO₂ < 90 %. However, treating women with MgSO₄ or a combination of AntiHTA and MgSO₄ reduced the risk of complications by a factor of 4 and 6, respectively.

Conclusion

The presence of symptoms is more useful in predicting complications of preeclampsia than their absence in ruling out adverse events.