Adverse Materno-Foetal Outcomes of Pre-Eclampsia at a Rural Tertiary Hospital in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

Pre-eclampsia affects several physiological systems, often changing the course of pregnancy and manifesting with both maternal and foetal adversities, with a higher burden in rural Sub-Saharan African settings. This study presents maternal and foetal adverse outcomes associated with pre-eclampsia at a rural tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A prospective analytical case-control study was conducted with 250 pregnant women planned for delivery at the study setting's labour unit. Pregnant women with pre-eclampsia were considered cases, whereas pregnant women without pre-eclampsia were considered controls. Cases were enrolled first, followed by a matched pair of controls based on their gravidity. A consecutive sampling technique was used to recruit eligible cases and controls. Data was collected using a self-designed questionnaire followed by descriptive and inferential analysis. Adverse foetal outcomes associated with pre-eclampsia were low birth weight [Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.1, <i>p</i> = 0.006] and foetal distress (AOR = 2.5, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Maternal outcomes associated with pre-eclampsia were haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets syndrome (AOR = 42.7, <i>p</i> < 0.001), as well as preterm delivery (AOR = 3.0, <i>p</i> = 0.001). Early antenatal visits, continuous monitoring of pre-eclamptic pregnant women, and implementation of preventive and curative measures to reduce the possibilities of this condition and its adverse outcomes are needed.