International Journal of Medicine and Health Development · Published 2026-07-01 · DOI 10.4103/ijmh.ijmh_38_26
Hector O. Obianyido, Ozioma E. Obianyido, Chioma M. Adilieje, Chiemelie R. Onwasigwe, Chioma C. Ugwu, Lawrence U. Ezeanyika, Obiora E. Izuka
Abstract Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) profoundly affect maternal–fetal morbidity in Sub-Saharan Africa. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in HDP and its associated maternal–fetal outcomes. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based prospective cohort study was conducted at two tertiary care referral hospitals in Enugu, Nigeria, between January 2021 and June 2023. A total of 104 pregnant women were enrolled, comprising 52 women with HDP (exposed group) and 52 normotensive pregnant women (unexposed group). Participants were followed up prospectively until delivery to evaluate maternal and fetal outcomes. MetS was defined using pregnancy-adapted National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute/American Heart Association and National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. The participants were followed up throughout pregnancy according to the standard antenatal care protocols for high-risk and low-risk pregnancies. Maternal–fetal outcomes were collected from hospital folders, as recorded by the attending obstetrician. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the frequencies and percentages. The chi-square test and Pearson’s correlation were used to determine the associations. Fisher’s exact test was used to evaluate the association between MetS and unfavorable pregnancy outcomes in women with HDP. Results: MetS was significantly more prevalent among women with HDP (55.8%) compared with normotensive controls (21.2%; P < 0.001). Women with HDP exhibited significantly higher blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, triglyceride levels, and creatine kinase levels, alongside lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (P < 0.001). The presence of MetS in HDP was associated with a significantly increased risk of intrauterine growth restriction (odds ratio = 4.40; P = 0.033), while other adverse maternal and fetal outcomes showed increased but nonsignificant risks (P > 0.05). Conclusion: MetS is common among women with HDP in Enugu, Nigeria, and is associated with poorer maternal and fetal outcomes. Routine metabolic screening during antenatal care may facilitate early risk identification, guide clinical management, and improve pregnancy outcomes in this high-risk population.
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Obianyido, H., Obianyido, O., Adilieje, C., et al. (2026). Metabolic Syndrome in Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: Prevalence and Maternal–Fetal Outcomes in Southeast Nigeria. International Journal of Medicine and Health Development. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijmh.ijmh_38_26