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Ten-Year Study Reveals Risk Factors Associated With Preeclampsia: Presented at ACOG

Central Baptist Hospital Study Points to Age, Number of Pregnancies As Predictors to Progression of Gestational Hypertension to Preeclampsia

LOS ANGELES, CA -- May 6, 2002 -- Maternal age, nulliparity (never having given birth) and gestational age (the period between conception and birth) are strong indicators of disease progression to preeclampsia, according to new research findings presented today at the annual meeting of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

The study compared nearly 1,800 women with mild gestational hypertension (GHTN) -- high blood pressure that develops after the twentieth week of pregnancy -- in an outpatient monitoring program from 1990 to 2000. The objective of the study was to determine the influence of pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) on the progression of GHTN remote from term. Criteria included:

* Singletons (one child)
* Gestation period between 24-35 weeks
* No proteinuria (urine that contains an abnormal amount of protein) at GHTN diagnosis
* Minimum two days on program
* BMI over or equal to 20 kg/m2

The subjects were divided into three groups: BMI 20-24 (normal), 25-29 (overweight), or over 30 (obese). Researchers found that maternal age, nulliparity and gestational age are stronger predictors of gestational hypertension progression to preeclampsia than BMI.

"As the leading cause of death in pregnant women, preeclampsia is a very serious disease that warrants further research," said J.R. Barton, MD, Director, Maternal-Fetal Medicine at Central Baptist Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky and principal investigator. "These findings confirm the red flags associated with the development of preeclampsia and can, therefore, help determine the proper prenatal care to improve diagnosis and management of this potentially life-threatening condition."

Preeclampsia is a disorder that occurs only during pregnancy and affects both the mother and the unborn baby. Affecting between five and 15 percent of all pregnancies, it is a rapidly progressive condition characterized by high blood pressure, swelling and protein in the urine. Sudden weight gain, headaches and changes in vision are typical symptoms. Some women with rapidly advancing disease, however, report few symptoms. Preeclampsia typically occurs in the late second or third trimesters (middle to late pregnancy).

Home care services for this study were provided by Matria Healthcare, Inc. Matria Healthcare is the leading provider of comprehensive disease management services to health plans and employers for women's health and the chronic conditions of diabetes, respiratory disorders, and cardiovascular disease. Headquartered in Marietta, GA, Matria has more than 40 sites of service in the US and around the world.

SOURCE: Matria Healthcare, Inc.

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