Assessment of prevalence of preeclampsia from Dilla region of Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is a multi-organ system disorder that occurs after the 20th week of gestation in pregnancy and is characterized by hypertension and proteinuria. In Africa more than 270,000 women die from maternal deaths, worldwide approximately 76,000 women and 500,000 babies die yearly due to preeclampsia. It affects about 8–10 % of all pregnancies. Studies have shown that up to 77 % women affected with preeclampsia lack knowledge about preeclampsia, and therefore cannot take preventative measures. The aim of study is to evaluate the outcomes and quality of care given to preeclamptic patients treated in Dilla University Referral Hospital. METHODS: The study is a retrospective, hospital based study. One hundred and seventy two records of women were retained for final study out of 7702 patients from January 2009 to December 2012. RESULTS: The incidence rate of preeclampsia in Dilla University Referral Hospital was found to be 2.23 %. The common mean ages found to be affected for preeclampsia were 19.2, 22.5 and 27.8 and 31.5 with a trend towards increasing severity with younger age population. CONCLUSION: A guideline on the management and prevention of preeclampsia needs to be produced for Ehiopia.