High Body Mass Index a Risk Factor of Preeclampsia: A Hospital Based Case-Control Study

Abstract

Introduction: Preeclampsia is a disease which is associated with pregnancy and enhances perinatal and maternal morbidity and mortality. The relationship of obesity and preeclampsia is still under research among different populations.

Aims & Objectives: The objective of this study is to determine the strength of association of body mass index with preeclampsia in pregnant women.

Place and duration of study: Gynecology/Obstetric Departments of Services Hospital, Lahore General Hospital and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Lahore from 1^st January 2019 to 30^th June 2019.

Material & Methods: It was a matched case-control study. Sixty six diagnosed pre-eclamptic antenatal women were selected as cases and they were matched with equal number of normotensive antenatal women. The definition, source and eligibility criteria of cases and controls were pre-determined. Odds ratio was calculated to measure strength of association between preeclampsia and body mass index (BMI).

Results: Among 66 preeclamptic women, the mean age was 26.76+5.82 years and among 66 normotensives mean age was 25.36+4.69 years. Among cases, 49.7% had BMI >25 and 30.3% had BMI <25. Likewise among controls, 40.9% had BMI >25 and 59.1% had BMI <25. Odds Ratio was 3.32. The result was found statistically significant (P=0.001).

Conclusion: Study concluded that high body mass index is a risk factor of preeclampsia among pregnant women.