Factor associated with progression to chronic arterial hypertension in women with preeclampsia in Yaoundé, Cameroon

Introduction Hypertensive diseases in pregnancy are the leading medical problem during pregnancy. Some of the women affected remain hypertensive after pregnancy and the post-partum period. This study aimed to assess the factors associated to the persistence of hypertension after preeclampsia. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study which included all women who had preeclampsia. The minimal follow-up period was 12 months. We excluded from the study all women who had superimposed preeclampsia. Sociodemographic data and past history were recorded and a physical exam was performed for all participants. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine factors independently associated to the persistence of hypertension. Results Our cohort consisted of 136 women. The mean follow-up period was 3.7 years. Thirty two women (23.53%) remained hypertensive. This represented an incidence rate of 2.85% per year. Old age (≥ 40 years), housewife occupation, multigravidity (> 4), onset of preeclampsia before 34 weeks' gestation, obesity and the presence of hypertension in siblings were factors independently associated to persistent hypertension. Conclusion Many women affected by preeclampsia remain hypertensive after pregnancy. It is important to provide adequate follow-up for this patients in order to intervene on the factors leading to this outcome.