This review seeks to evaluate the levels of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among pregnant women experiencing pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). It also aims to identify the specific aspects of HRQoL most impacted by PIH during pregnancy and determine the existence of effective interventions to enhance the HRQoL of these pregnant women. A systematic literature search was conducted in the following databases: PUBMED, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, and EMBASE using the following keywords: Health-related quality of life; pregnancy; pregnancy-induced hypertension; quality of life; gestational hypertension. Among the 32 studies assessed, only eight met the criteria for inclusion, exhibiting a good quality based on assessment with both AXIS (Appraisal Tool for Cross-Sectional Studies) and CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme) checklists. The findings indicate a decline in HRQoL among pregnant women with gestational hypertension, notably affecting both physical and mental dimensions. Furthermore, some studies provided recommendations for interventions that healthcare professionals could employ to improve poor HRQoL levels. Limited research has focused on the HRQoL in pregnant women with PIH. Compared to their healthy counterparts, pregnant women experiencing PIH exhibit a decrease in their HRQoL. It's crucial for healthcare practitioners to proactively address the HRQoL of these pregnant women using effective strategies to mitigate this decline. This approach aims to safeguard both pregnant women and their fetuses from potential complications associated with lower HRQoL levels.
The management and outcome of severe preeclampsia are outlined in this case report of a 42-year-old multiparous woman presenting with multiple risk factors, including maternal obesity, advanced maternal age, gestational diabetes, and a significant interpregnancy interval of over eight years. The patient underwent expectant management for close monitoring of her pregnancy. However, due to the emergence of severe preeclampsia symptoms, the decision was made to deliver the baby at 29 weeks of gestation via classical cesarean section and bilateral tubal ligation. The neonate, weighing 1070 g, was born with an Apgar score of 6 and was subsequently admitted to the neonatal unit for severe prematurity. This case highlights the importance of individualized care plans tailored to patients with multiple risk factors and underscores the proactive management strategies essential for achieving favorable delivery outcomes.
Eclampsia, a serious and life-threatening complication of pregnancy, affects women in low-income and vulnerable populations. This case series describes the clinical management of two young Rohingya refugee women, aged 17 and 21, who presented with eclampsia at Seberang Jaya Hospital, Penang, Malaysia. Both patients reported prodromal symptoms of severe headache and visual disturbances before experiencing generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Treatment involved intravenous magnesium sulfate for seizure control and labetalol for blood pressure control, in accordance with local clinical guidelines. Notably, the 17-year-old patient's recovery was complicated by concurrent dengue fever, which presented additional management challenges. Neonatal outcomes varied significantly: the first infant had an Apgar score of 3 at 1 min and a birth weight of 1.7 kg, while the second infant had a healthier outcome, with an Apgar score of 9 and a birth weight of 3 kg. These cases emphasize the critical need for timely diagnosis, standardized treatment protocols, and comprehensive maternal and neonatal care in managing eclampsia among vulnerable populations.