Prevalence rate and risk factors for preeclampsia and eclampsia among pregnant women attending Qena University Hospital During COVID-19 pandemic

Background: Preeclampsia and eclampsia are vital causes of maternal morbidity and mortality around the world. In Egypt, it complicates about 6%-8% of all pregnancies and can reach up to 15% in referral centers like university hospitals. Objectives: To identify the prevalence of preeclampsia and eclampsia among pregnant women attending Qena University Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, to identify possible risk factors associated with preeclampsia. Patients and methods: The prevalence and risk factors for preeclampsia and eclampsia were estimated in this cross-sectional study of 300 pregnant women after 20 weeks of gestation. There were two groups: preeclamptic women and non-preeclamptic women. A structured questionnaire was used. Results: The study revealed that the percentage of preeclampsia and eclampsia was 19% and 1%, respectively. The significant risk factors predisposing to preeclampsia were obesity, improper antenatal care, previous COVID-19 exposure, prior preeclampsia, cats' handling, pregestational diabetes mellitus, multifetal pregnancy, family history of hypertension, and advanced maternal age. By logistic regression analysis, BMI was the most contributing factor associated with preeclampsia (p- value <0.0001). Conclusion: Preeclampsia became increasingly common during the COVID-19 pandemic, with preeclampsia and eclampsia prevalence rates of 19% and 1%, respectively. The most contributing factors to preeclampsia were obesity, which is a preventable risk factor, infrequent antenatal visits, and COVID-19 exposure.Proper antenatal care is an important part of prevention and early detection of preeclampsia, especially for women with previous COVID-19 exposure

Prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori Infection in Pregnant Women with Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Background: Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a severe form of vomiting that occurs in 0.3-2% of all pregnant women. There is geographic difference in the prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori). The exact prevalence in Egypt is not well-studied. Objectives: To detect prevalence and risk factors for H. Pylori in pregnant women with HG. Patients and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. The study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, South Valley University hospitals. Results: The study included 100 pregnant women with HG.In this study, the H. Pylori stool antigen testing was positive in 44 cases out of 100 cases, making a prevalence of 44%. Risk factors of H. Pylori was rural residence (adjusted OR: 3.45; CI:1.12-10.94; and P value: 0.03), recurrence of vomiting in the current pregnancy (adjusted OR was 3.85; CI:1.15-12.91; and P value: 0.03), and anemia (adjusted OR: 0.74; CI: 0.55-0.98; and P value: 0.04) Conclusion: H. Pylori affects 44% of women with HG. There was significant association between H. pylori and the rural residence, the recurrence of vomiting in the same pregnancy, and the presence of anemia