Assessment of Prescribing Pattern and Clinical Outcomes among Women with Risk Factor for Preeclampsia

Objective(s): Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific hypertensive disorder marked by new-onset hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation, and remains a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. This study was undertaken to assess the clinical profile, drug prescribing pattern, and maternal-fetal outcomes among women with risk factors for preeclampsia attending a tertiary care teaching hospital. Design: A prospective observational study. Intervention(s): Case records of pregnant women with moderate-to-high risk factors for preeclampsia, attending the antenatal clinic of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, MMIMSR, Mullana, were reviewed over a six-month period. Demographic data, obstetric history, clinical findings, laboratory parameters, and prescribed antihypertensive and supportive medication were recorded on structured case record forms after obtaining informed consent. Main outcome measure(s): Drug prescribing pattern assessed using WHO prescribing indicators, and maternal-foetal outcomes. Results: Of 100 antenatal records screened, 60 women met the risk criteria for preeclampsia. Most patients were 20-30 years of age, and 55% were stratified as high risk and 38.3% as moderate risk on the basis of clinical and laboratory parameters. Labetalol (75%) was the most frequently prescribed antihypertensive, followed by low-dose aspirin/Ecosprin (40%) and magnesium sulphate (15%) for seizure prophylaxis. Supportive therapy included calcium (98.3%), iron (95%), folic acid (16.6%), L-arginine (31.6%), and protein powder (31.6%). About one-third of the women received additional treatment for concomitant illnesses such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and thyroid disorders. Conclusion: The drug therapy prescribed to women at risk of preeclampsia at this centre was broadly consistent with WHO and ACOG recommendations, with labetalol as the antihypertensive of choice and low-dose aspirin used for prophylaxis. Standardised treatment protocols, early risk stratification, and continued monitoring are needed to further improve maternal and fetal outcomes.