The challenge of adequately reporting preeclampsia for epidemiological surveillance: An example from a referral center in a middle-income country

Pregnancy Hypertens. 2023 Dec:34:53-55. doi: 10.1016/j.preghy.2023.10.003. Epub 2023 Oct 11.

Abstract

Adequately reporting of preeclampsia is a challenge. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnosis of preeclampsia based on clinical and laboratory findings and ICD-10 codes (International Classification of Diseases) at admission and discharge in a referral center, over a one-year period. Among 2,839 women admitted for childbirth, 208 presented confirmed preeclampsia, based on chart audits. Among these, 77.4% at admission presented ICD-10 codes assigned as hypertension, and 47.1% at discharge. In 14.4% of confirmed preeclampsia, ICD-10 codes for hypertension were not used. Adequate reporting of preeclampsia is key for clinical surveillance, counselling and guiding public health interventions.

Keywords: International classification of diseases; Pre-eclampsia; Preeclampsia; Public health.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Hypertension*
  • Patient Discharge
  • Pre-Eclampsia* / diagnosis
  • Pre-Eclampsia* / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy