Effect of gestational hypertension on IVF pregnancy outcomes.
Merita Krasniqi (KO), Myrvete Paçarada (KO), Sahadete Shala (KO), Qendrese Daka (KO), Albana Kabashi (KO)
[Krasniqi] 1. Department of Gynecology, University Clinical Center of Kosova; Medical Faculty, University of Prishtina, Prishtine, Kosovo., [Paçarada] 1. Department of Gynecology, University Clinical Center of Kosova; Medical Faculty, University of Prishtina, Prishtine, Kosovo., [Shala] 1. Department of Gynecology, University Clinical Center of Kosova; Medical Faculty, University of Prishtina, Prishtine, Kosovo., [Daka] Department of Pathophysiology, Medical Faculty, University of Pristina, Prishtine, Kosovo ,, [Kabashi] 3.Department of Endocrinology ,University Clinical center of Kosova ,she is working at Raiffeisen Bank of Kosovo.
OBJECTIVE: Relationship between IVF, gestational hypertension and pregnancy outcomes is demonstrated in a number of studies. To date, little is known about these relationships in Kosovo. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of gestational hypertension, and to evaluate pregnancy outcomes of IVF conceived pregnancies in Kosovo. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in line with STROBE guidelines. The study was undertaken in Department of Gynecology, University Clinical Centre of Kosova. A total of 207 pregnant women that conceived through IVF, were at least 20 weeks of gestation and of Albanian ethnicity were included. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 17.0 statistical software. Results: The prevalence of gestational hypertension was 26.1%. IVF conceived pregnancies complicated with gestational hypertension were more common among women of older age, primipara, obese and cigarette smokers. The only statistically significant difference in outcomes was in the fifth minute Apgar score. Conclusion: Large cohort, prospective studies, controlled for confounders, are necessary to confirm our findings. The confirmation of these findings would help the development of specific national prevention measure for gestational hypertension complications in IVF conceived pregnancies. Set up of a national register is recommended in order to evaluate properly the outcomes of IVF treatments. Key words: IVF, gestational hypertension, outcomes, Kosovo.