Preeclampsia en gestantes de edad materna avanzada atendidas en el Hospital General del Norte de Guayaquil IESS Los Ceibos durante el periodo 2020 – 2022.

Abstract

Introduction: Preeclampsia is a serious medical complication affecting pregnant women, characterized by elevated blood pressure and organ damage, primarily in the liver and kidneys. This condition significantly impacts maternal and fetal health and is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality during pregnancy worldwide. According to WHO, the incidence of preeclampsia ranges between 2-10% of pregnancies. In Ecuador, the 2022 maternal mortality epidemiological report published by the Ministry of Public Health (MSP) reveals that 30% of deaths were due to hypertensive disorders, mainly severe preeclampsia, making it the leading obstetric cause of maternal death in the country. Zone 8, corresponding to the province of Guayas, recorded the highest percentage of maternal deaths (29.70%). Methodology: A descriptive, observational, retrospective, and cross-sectional study was conducted, including 186 pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria, with medical records documented for data collection. Results: The study population consisted of 186 patients, of whom 65% were between 37 to 40 years old. Preeclampsia was more frequently observed in the early stages of pregnancy, and most women with this disorder were multiparous. Regarding complications, 49% of the pregnant women developed either maternal or fetal complications. Among maternal complications, 32% developed HELLP syndrome, 27% had placental abruption, and 17% developed eclampsia. As for fetal complications, 76% experienced fetal distress, and 18% had fetal death. Conclusion: About half of the preeclamptic pregnant women in the study developed maternal or fetal complications, some with unfavorable outcomes. It is recommended to conduct an exhaustive evaluation of risk factors in all pregnant women to reduce the incidence of hypertensive disorders and their complications.