Toxemia of Pregnancy: Investigating Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes
Toxemia of pregnancy, also known as preeclampsia, is a condition that occurs during pregnancy and is characterized by high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and swelling of the feet and ankles. Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality and is estimated to affect approximately 5-8% of pregnancies worldwide (World Health Organization, 2020). As such, it is important to understand the risk factors associated with preeclampsia and the potential clinical outcomes. This article will discuss the epidemiology of toxemia of pregnancy, its risk factors, and potential clinical outcomes.
Epidemiology
The epidemiology of preeclampsia has been studied extensively. It is more common in women under the age of 20, women with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25, and those who have had previous pregnancies (Kang, 2016). Additionally, preeclampsia is more common in women of African descent than in women of other ethnicities (Kang, 2016). Other risk factors for preeclampsia include diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and a history of cardiovascular disease (Kang, 2016).
Risk Factors
In addition to the epidemiological risk factors discussed above, there are other factors that increase a pregnant woman’s risk of developing preeclampsia. These include a history of preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy, a family history of preeclampsia, and a high-risk pregnancy (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2020). Additionally, women who are pregnant with multiples, are carrying a male fetus, are carrying a fetus with chromosomal abnormalities, or are carrying a fetus with a genetic disorder have an increased risk of developing preeclampsia (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2020).
Clinical Outcomes
The clinical outcomes of preeclampsia can be severe. Preeclampsia can lead to maternal mortality, premature delivery, intrauterine growth restriction, placental abruption, and eclampsia, which is a life-threatening complication that can lead to death (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2020). In addition, women with preeclampsia are at an increased risk of developing long-term complications such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and stroke (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2020).
Conclusion
Toxemia of pregnancy is a serious condition that can have severe clinical outcomes. It is important to understand the risk factors associated with preeclampsia in order to identify women at risk and provide appropriate care and management. By recognizing the risk factors and clinical outcomes associated with preeclampsia, healthcare providers can take steps to reduce maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.
References
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2020). Preeclampsia. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/preeclampsia
Kang, Y. (2016). Epidemiology of preeclampsia. The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, 29(6), 667–672. https://doi.org/10.3109/14767058.2015.1079895
World Health Organization (2020). Preeclampsia and eclampsia. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/preeclampsia-and-eclampsia