Maternal and perinatal outcomes of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy complicate around 6% of pregnancies and accounts for 19% of maternal death in Ethiopia. The current review aimed to assess maternal and perinatal outcomes of pregnancies complicated by hypertension in Ethiopia. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was done on the outcome of hypertensive disorder among pregnant women in Ethiopia. Literature search was made in five databases and Statistical analyses were carried out by using Stata 14 software. The pooled prevalence of maternal death, HELLP syndrome, perinatal death, and low birth weight was calculated using a random-effects model. Egger’s test and funnel plot were used to evaluate publication bias. The Cochran Q test and I(2) test statistics were used to test the heterogeneity of studies. RESULT: Thirteen studies included in the review, with an overall sample size of 5894 women diagnosed to have hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. The pooled prevalence of maternal death was estimated to be 4% (95% CI: 2, 6%). The pooled prevalence of HELLP syndrome was 13% (95% CI: 10, 16%). Other complications such as pulmonary edema, kidney injury, hepatic injury, placental abruption, and aspiration pneumonia were also reported. Perinatal death was observed in one-fourth of women with HDP 25% (95% CI: 18, 32%). The pooled prevalence of low birth weight neonate in a woman with HDP is 37% (95% CI, 27, 48%). CONCLUSIONS: In Ethiopia, the prevalence of perinatal and maternal mortality among pregnant women with one of the hypertensive disorders were found to be higher than rates reported from high income as well as most of the low and middle income countries. For instance, one in four of pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disorder end up in perinatal death in Ethiopia. HELLP syndrome, placental abruption, pulmonary edema, renal damage, prematurity, perinatal asphyxia, and low birth weight were also commonly reported. To improve the health outcomes of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, it is recommended to improve utilization of maternal health service; early detection and early referral of pregnant women with hypertensive disorder; advocating policies and strategies that improves the quality of health care that a pregnant woman and her newborn receive.