Factor associated with progression to chronic arterial hypertension in women with preeclampsia in Yaoundé, Cameroon

Abstract

Introduction: hypertensive diseases in pregnancy are the leading medical problem during pregnancy. Some of the women affected remain
hypertensive after pregnancy and the post-partum period. This study aimed to assess the factors associated to the persistence of hypertension after
preeclampsia. Methods: this was a retrospective cohort study which included all women who had preeclampsia. The minimal follow-up period was
12 months. We excluded from the study all women who had superimposed preeclampsia. Sociodemographic data and past history were recorded
and a physical exam was performed for all participants. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine factors independently associated to
the persistence of hypertension. Results: our cohort consisted of 136 women. The mean follow-up period was 3.7 years. Thirty two women (23.53%)
remained hypertensive. This represented an incidence rate of 2.85% per year. Old age (≥ 40 years), housewife occupation, multigravidity (> 4),
onset of preeclampsia before 34 weeks' gestation, obesity and the presence of hypertension in siblings were factors independently associated to
persistent hypertension. Conclusion: many women affected by preeclampsia remain hypertensive after pregnancy. It is important to provide
adequate follow-up for this patients in order to intervene on the factors leading to this outcome.