Clinical profile and maternal outcomes among women with preeclampsia in a teaching hospital: a hospital-based cross-sectional observational study.

Abstract

Background: Preeclampsia is a multisystem hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that contributes substantially to maternal morbidity and mortality, especially in referral hospitals managing high-risk pregnancies. Objectives: To assess the clinical profile and maternal outcomes of women diagnosed with preeclampsia in a teaching hospital. Methods: A hospital-based observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Government Medical College, Suryapet, Telangana, India, from February 2025 to January 2026. One hundred women with preeclampsia diagnosed after 20 weeks of gestation were included. Sociodemographic variables, obstetric characteristics, presenting symptoms, blood pressure profile, laboratory findings, management details, mode of delivery, and maternal outcomes were recorded using a structured pro forma and analysed descriptively.  Results: The mean age of participants was 25.8 ± 4.3 years, and most women were aged 21–25 years. Primigravidae constituted 58.0%, rural residents 62.0%, and unbooked cases 56.0%. Pedal edema was the commonest presenting symptom, followed by headache and facial puffiness. Severe preeclampsia was observed in 36.0% of women. Thrombocytopenia, elevated liver enzymes, and raised serum creatinine were noted in 18.0%, 16.0%, and 10.0% of cases, respectively. Antihypertensive therapy was required in 72.0% and magnesium sulfate prophylaxis in 34.0%. Cesarean delivery was performed in 61.0% of women. Maternal complications occurred in 32.0%, most commonly eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and postpartum hemorrhage. Intensive care admission was required in 14.0%, and one maternal death was recorded. Conclusion: Preeclampsia in this cohort was common among young primigravidae, rural women, and unbooked mothers, with a substantial burden of severe disease and maternal complications. Early recognition, systematic monitoring, and timely escalation of care remain central to improving maternal outcomes.  Recommendations: Strengthening antenatal surveillance, prompt referral of high-risk pregnancies, and strict protocol-based management of severe disease should be prioritized in tertiary care settings.