Neonatal Outcomes from Mothers with Hypertension Disorders of Pregnancy: A Retrospective Study at a Referral Hospital in Rwanda

Background Globally, maternal hypertensive disorders in pregnancy significantly increase both maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Maternal hypertension affects 14 percent of pregnancies. Eearly detection and management are critical for improving the health outcomes of both mother and neonate. Objective To assess the association between maternal hypertension disorders in pregnancy and immediate neonatal outcomes at a University Teaching Hospital in Rwanda. Methods A retrospective study of maternal files with hypertension disorders was conducted from January 1, 2016, to March 31, 2019. A census sample of 114 records and pretested checklist was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze associations between maternal factors and immediate neonatal outcomes. Results Neonatal outcomes included low birth weight (75.4%), prematurity (59.6%), admission to neonatal intensive care unit (50.4%), intrauterine growth restriction (32.4%), and neonatal death (22.8%). Nearly two-thirds (62%) of mothers had preeclampsia. Significant associations with immediate neonatal outcomes included gestational age, medical history, delivery mode, maternal referral status, preterm birth, prematurity, and abortion. Conclusion Maternal hypertensive disorders were significantly associated with adverse neonatal outcomes in our study population in Rwanda. Improving early detection, health education, and management of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy is critical to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2020;3(2):193-203