Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes among Women with Preeclampsia Admitted to Dessie Comprehensive specialized Hospital, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Abstract Background Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related disorder characterized by new-onset hypertension, typically occurring after 20 weeks of gestation and often near term. Preeclampsia with severe features can lead to significant acute and long-term maternal and perinatal complications, particularly in women with preexisting medical conditions. During expectant management, delivery is recommended at any time if there is deterioration of maternal or fetal condition. Objective To assess maternal and perinatal outcomes and associated factors among women with preeclampsia managed at Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Amhara Region Ethiopia. Method An institutional-based cross sectional study was conducted from May 1 to May 30, 2024. All pregnant mothers admitted with preeclampsia and managed expectantly who met the inclusion criteria were included. A total sample size of 204 was studied. Data were entered using EPI-Info and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with maternal and prenatal complications, using a significance level of p < 0.05. Results The prevalence of unfavorable maternal and perinatal outcomes among women with severe preeclampsia was 34.8% and 15.2% respectively. Factors significantly associated with unfavorable maternal outcomes included rural residence (AOR = 1.88; 95% CI: 1.20–4.30), no formal education (AOR = 4.01; 95% CI: 1.78–6.87), and gestational age at termination between 28–34 weeks (AOR = 3.23; 95% CI: 1.14–6.44). Unfavorable perinatal outcomes were significantly associated with Maternal age of 20–34 years (AOR = 2.89; 95% CI: 2.64–13.02), and gestational age at termination between 28–34 weeks (AOR = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.67–4.04) were positively related to unfavorable perinatal outcomes. Conclusion Maternal and perinatal complications were high and strongly influenced by socio-demographic factors and gestational age at the time of diagnosis and termination of pregnancy. In this setting, terminating pregnancy at 34 weeks of gestation, along with improved neonatal intensive care services, may lead to better maternal and prenatal outcomes.