The Cox model of predicting adverse maternal outcomes of preeclampsia / eclampsia at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Preeclampsia and eclampsia are leading causes of maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing nations, and are a common cause of pregnancy complications globally.  The Cox regression model is used to identify the adverse maternal outcomes of preeclampsia/eclampsia, which is imperative in effectively managing preeclampsia/eclampsia patients.

Objectives: The objective of this study is to identify the maternal adverse outcomes of preeclampsia and Eclampsia among women with pregnancy-induced hypertension in North-West Nigeria using the Cox proportional hazards model.

Methods: A retrospective study was carried out among preeclampsia/eclampsia patients who attended the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi state, Nigeria.  Data were extracted from patients’ charts using a proforma. Descriptive analyses were calculated, and the Cox regression model was used for the analysis to determine the adverse maternal outcomes of preeclampsia/Eclampsia in the study area.

 Results: The Cox regression model results identified six maternal outcomes of preeclampsia /eclampsia: stillbirth, preterm delivery, placenta abruption, maternal death, low birth weight and unconsciousness as statistically significant and clinically plausible maternal outcomes of preeclampsia/eclampsia.

Conclusion: The findings of this study provided the adverse maternal outcomes of preeclamptic/eclamptic patients in FTH Birnin Kebbi, which affirms that preeclampsia/eclampsia are causes of both maternal and prenatal morbidity and mortality. Employment and continuous training of healthcare professionals especially in rural areas should be seen as priority, creating awareness of preeclampsia and eclampsia should be raised focusing on younger women and women of child bearing age.