Risk factors, phenotypic-pattern and feto-maternal outcomes of preeclampsia with severe features in a low-resource setting: a prospective study

Background: Preeclampsia is exclusive to pregnancy and one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality globally. This study aims to assess the prevalence, risk factors, phenotypic pattern and feto-maternal outcomes among women managed for preeclampsia with severe features at the Federal Medical Center Asaba. Methods: Women managed for preeclampsia with severe features between 1st June 2022 and, 31st January 2023 were recruited and relevant data extracted and entered into a standardized proforma which was subsequently analyzed using the SPSS version 26. Categorical variables were expressed in frequencies and percentages while continuous variables were expressed as mean and standard deviation. The association test between the categorical variables was via the chi-square and Fisher exact test where necessary with a p<0.05 considered significant. Results: The prevalence of preeclampsia with severe features was 19.3% with the late-onset type (63.7%) being the commonest. Maternal and perinatal outcomes were comparable in both phenotypical patterns except for NICU admission which was higher and significant for early onset. Nulliparity, chronic hypertension, and previous history of preeclampsia were the most commonly identified risk factors. Neonatal intensive care unit admission (43.8%), perinatal mortality (17.8%), admission into the intensive care unit (1.4%), and development of eclampsia (0.7%) were the most frequent fetomaternal outcomes. Conclusions: This study revealed a high burden of preeclampsia with severe features and some of its complications. Interventions such as early antenatal care booking and prompt identification of at-risk women will reduce its burden.