Incidence of pregnancy-induced hypertension in block Hazratbal of district Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir: a prospective longitudinal study

Background: The term pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) suggests a disorder of blood pressure that arises because of the pregnancy. PIH is defined as new onset hypertension with or without significant proteinuria emerging after 20 weeks of gestation, during labour, or in first 48 hours post-partum. It is classified as gestational hypertension (without proteinuria), preeclampsia (with proteinuria), and eclampsia (associated with convulsions). Incidence of PIH varies from country to country and has been reported to occur as low as 0.51% to as high as 38.4%. The objectives of the study were to estimate the incidence of PIH in block Hazratbal, Srinagar and to see the extent of progression of gestational hypertension into preeclampsia and eclampsia. Methods: A community based longitudinal study was conducted in block Hazratbal (district Srinagar) for a period of 18 months. All the pregnant females attending the antenatal clinic at the sub-centers and PHCs were included in the study and assessed for eligibility (less than 20 weeks and normotensive), till the desired number of 385 eligible pregnant females was reached. The pregnant women enrolled in the study were examined again around 30 weeks, 37 weeks and once in postnatal period. Results: The incidence of PIH was 20%. Majority of them (14.5%) had Gestational Hypertension and about one-fourth (5.5%) progressed to pre-eclampsia, while no one developed eclampsia. Conclusions: PIH is common among Kashmiri females, 20 out of 100 pregnant females develop PIH. PIH is a major cause of perinatal mortality, preterm delivery, IUGR, and maternal morbidity and mortality.