Risk Factor Assessment for Preeclampsia: A Case Control Study

Background: Knowledge and identification of risk factors for preeclampsia will help in estimating each woman’s individualized risk and possibly reduce the recurrence risk of preeclampsia. So this study was conducted to assess and compare the socio-demographic profile of women with and without preeclampsia and to determine the risk factors associated with preeclampsia. Methodology: This Hospital based Case control analytical study was conducted among 180 preeclampsia case and 180 control subjects at Mahila chikitsalaya, Jaipur, from June 2014 to May 2015. Results: Bivariate analysis found that preeclampsia was significantly associated with rural residence (p=0.033), joint family type (p=0.025), low education of head of family(p=0.007), young age at menarche (11-12years) (p<0.001) Anemia (P=0.034) and primiparity (p<0.001), Family history of preeclampsia (p<0.001) and hypertension (p=0.007) and Non veg. diet (p=0.042). Preeclampsia was not found to be significantly associated with history of previous abortion, inter pregnancy period and sex of last child of multiparous women and ANC characteristics, TT immunization, IFA tablets, twin pregnancy or gestational diabetes. In the multiple regression analysis, Age >30 years, Preobese (BMI=25-29.9), obese (BMI≥30 Kg/ m2), Primiparity, age of menarche at 12 years and rural residence were found to be independent risk factors associated with Preeclampsia. Conclusion: Age>30 years, Preobese, Obese, Primiparity, early age of menarche (12 years) and Rural residence were found as significant predictor for development of Preeclampsia. Most of these factors are non modifiable, but can be used to screen women during antenatal visits to identify those at higher risk of Preeclampsia.