Rev Med Chil. 2026 May;154(5):713-720. doi: 10.4067/s0034-98872026000500713.
ABSTRACT
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are among the leading preventable causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. In Chile, regional epidemiological data are scarce despite recognized geographic differences in demographics, comorbidities, and access to care.
AIM: To determine the prevalence and clinical distribution of HDP among pregnant women attended at the Regional Hospital of Arica between 2018 and 2022.
METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study. All women diagnosed with HDP who delivered at the Juan Noé Crevani Hospital during the study period were included. Cases were classified based on standardized clinical and laboratory criteria into gestational hypertension, preeclampsia (with and without severity criteria), eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and chronic hypertension. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze demographic, clinical, and perinatal variables.
RESULTS: Among 10,765 deliveries, 666 cases of HDP were identified, yielding a prevalence of 6.2%. The most frequent subtype was preeclampsia/ eclampsia (59.8%), followed by gestational hypertension (16.8%), and chronic hypertension (14.4%). Aymara women exhibited a higher prevalence of preeclampsia (70.6%) than the general group. Only 23.9% underwent first-trimester uterine artery Doppler screening, and prophylactic aspirin use was limited even among high-risk patients. Among those diagnosed with preeclampsia, 61.6% presented at least one severity criterion. The incidence of HELLP syndrome was 2.1%. Subgroups with preeclampsia or superimposed preeclampsia showed higher rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission.
CONCLUSIONS: HDP showed a significant prevalence in northern Chile, with a predominance of severe clinical forms and insufficient implementation of screening and preventive strategies. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening local interventions to improve early detection and prevention, particularly among vulnerable populations.
PMID:42507956 | DOI:10.4067/s0034-98872026000500713
