Obstetrical outcome in the very young adolescent.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the obstetrical outcome in adolescent pregnancies younger than 15 years of age. A retrospective multivariant analysis from January 1, 1985 to November 2, 1990 was undertaken. Comparison of all data sets were structured to analyze groups of patients < 15 years of age (group I) or 15 years of age (group II) at the time of delivery.


RESULTS
No significant difference was observed between groups for mode of delivery, incidence of low birth weight delivery, or rates of preeclampsia. Group I was less likely to obtain adequate prenatal care. The development of preeclampsia and low birth weight delivery was positively correlated with late entry into prenatal care. Rates of preeclampsia for both groups exceed normal levels for this patient population.


CONCLUSIONS
Efforts to promote utilization of the health care system are of paramount importance in the very young adolescent age group.
Hampton
H L
HL
Dept. of Ob-Gyn, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson 39216-4505, USA.
Powell
R H
RH
D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008922:Mississippi / Q000453:epidemiology; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence; D011295:Prenatal Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors