Risk factors for pre-eclampsia in Lagos, Nigeria.
BACKGROUND
Pre-eclampsia is an important cause of maternal mortality. Although there have been many studies worldwide on pre-eclampsia, not many have come from black Africa.


METHODS
A case-control study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria (the black African nation with the highest population) between February 2001 and August 2002 to determine the risk factors for eclampsia. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, pre-pregnancy weight, medical history and previous obstetric history, and level of stress at home and at work was obtained by face-to-face interviews.


METHODS
Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors for pre-eclampsia.


RESULTS
One hundred and thirty seven (7.6%) of the 1803 women who delivered during the period had pre-eclampsia/eclampsia. Of these, 128 (93.4%) were analysed. Ninety-one (71.1%) women were primigravidae. Age < or = 19 years was not considered a risk factor. The risk factors that were associated with increased risk of pre-eclampsia were: nulliparity (OR 4.77; 95% CI 2.90-7.78), stressful work during pregnancy (OR 2.10; 95% CI 1.20-3.71), stressful home environment (OR 1.97; 95% CI 1.27-3.69), previous pre-eclampsia (OR 11.68; CI 3.81-37.61), history of chronic hypertension (OR 2.21; 95% CI 1.17-6.20), a body weight greater than 80 kg (OR 2.01; 95% CI 1.05-3.87); and multiple pregnancy (OR 2.71; 95% CI 1.27-6.13).


CONCLUSIONS
Risk factors for pre-eclampsia among Nigerian women are not different from those that have been reported in other studies. Weight reduction, good control of chronic hypertension, and reduction of stressful conditions at home and in pregnancy could be steps towards the primary prevention of this disorder.
Anorlu
Rose I
RI
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos/Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria. roseanorlu@hotmail.com
Iwuala
Nnamdi C
NC
Odum
Celestine U
CU
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications; D008423:Maternal Age; D009549:Nigeria; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications; D010298:Parity; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000209:etiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications