Estimating risk factors for development of preeclampsia in teen mothers.
OBJECTIVE
Our objective was to identify potentially modifiable risk factors for preeclampsia in a contemporary American teen population.


METHODS
We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of all teenage deliveries (≤18 years old) at one institution over a 4-year-period. All cases of preeclampsia were identified using the National Working Group for Hypertension in Pregnancy diagnostic criteria and compared to normotensive teenage mothers.


RESULTS
Of the 730 included teen deliveries, 65 (8.9 %) women developed preeclampsia and demonstrated a higher prepregnancy body mass index when compared with controls (32.9 ± 8.4 vs. 30.3 ± 6.1 kg/m(2), p = 0.002). Maternal obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m(2), RR 1.6, 95 % CI 1.0-2.8) and gestational weight gain above the Institute of Medicine recommended levels (RR 2.6, 95 % CI 1.5-4.4) were associated with higher risk for development of preeclampsia. When evaluating by severity or onset of disease, excessive weight gain in pregnancy was the strongest risk factor for mild (n = 58) or late onset (n = 54) preeclampsia (RR 2.5, 95 % CI 1.4-3.4).


CONCLUSIONS
Maternal obesity and excessive gestational weight gain place the gravid teen at increased risk for preeclampsia. The modifiable nature of these risk factors permits the possibility of intervention and prevention.
Memorial Health University Medical Center, Mercer School of Medicine, Savannah Campus, 4750 Waters Avenue, Suite 302, Savannah, GA 31404, USA. arthurmaine@yahoo.com
Arthur M
AM
Baker
Sina
S
Haeri
D000293:Adolescent; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications*; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000209:etiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D015430:Weight Gain