Sonographic biophysical profiles among patients with pregnancy induced hypertension attending Muhimbili national hospital

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH) is among the leading causes of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Developing countries carry a heavier burden. Therefore, more efforts are necessary to study this area in order to improve maternal and fetal wellbeing. Biophysical profiles among patients with PIH is the screening method employed. Objective: To determine sonographic biophysical profiles among patients with PIH attending MNH. Materials and Methods: Cross sectional hospital based study was conducted from July 2013 to March 2014 involving 152 patients with PIH, at MNH. Consented candidates with PIH from 28 weeks of gestation to term were included. Structured, closed ended questionnaires and sonography were used. The data were processed and analysed using SPSS version 20. Results: The candidates were aged between 18 and 41 years, with the mean age of 28 years, median 28 years and mode of 25 years. Among them 63.8% were married, and 49.3% had formal employment. Uncontrolled BP was related with reduced fetal breathing movements in 8.3% candidates. Cohabiting candidates showed worse BPP (34.8%) compared with the married group (10.3%), P-value 0.01. CONCLUSION; BPP is a useful tool for surveillance of fetal wellbeing among patients with PIH. RECOMMENDATIONS; Community based study using bigger sample size is recommended to study the relationship between PIH and BPP. Random sampling is recommended so as to ascertain relationship between BPP and PIH.