Hematologic havoc: haemoglobins link to hypertensive pregnancy outcomes

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), such as preeclampsia and eclampsia, significantly threaten maternal and perinatal health. This study explores the impact of hemoglobin levels on pregnancy outcomes in women with HDP, aiming to identify potential predictors of adverse outcomes. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 233 pregnant women diagnosed with HDP at Sapthagiri Hospital, Bengaluru, from June 2022 to June 2024. Data on patient demographics, hemoglobin levels, and maternal and perinatal outcomes were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS to examine associations between hemoglobin levels and clinical outcomes. Results: The study found that low hemoglobin levels (<11 gm%) were associated with a significantly higher incidence of maternal complications (37.8%) compared to normal (15.1%) and high hemoglobin levels (>13 gm%) (35.5%). Eclampsia was more prevalent in women with both low and high hemoglobin levels (17.4% and 17.8%, respectively) compared to those with normal levels. Adverse perinatal outcomes, including increased NICU admissions, stillbirths, and intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD), were also more common in these groups. Conclusions: The study underscores the importance of maintaining optimal hemoglobin levels during pregnancy to reduce the risk of severe maternal and perinatal complications in women with HDP. Both low and high hemoglobin levels are linked to adverse outcomes, highlighting the need for vigilant monitoring and management throughout pregnancy.