Fetomaternal Outcomes of Venous Thromboembolism in Pregnancy at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya

Abstract

Objective: To determine the fetomaternal outcome of venous thromboembolism in pregnancy at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), Eldoret, Kenya. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of females with venous thromboembolism (VTE) in pregnancy at MTRH. These patients were followed up, and pregnancy outcomes were compared with a comparison arm of normal pregnant females (non-exposed). Purposive sampling was used for the non-exposed arm. Data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics at 95% confidence level. Categorical variables were summarised as frequencies and percentages. Bivariate analysis was done using Chi square and multivariate analysis using logistic regression, with a confidence level of 95%. A p value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the participants was 27 and mode of 22 years. Seventy percent of the study population were between the age of 18–35 years, with those below the age of 18 being one in both arms. Fifty-nine percent of females were multiparous. The most common site of deep vein thrombosis was superficial femoral vein, followed by popliteal vein (10 individuals; 5.3%). Multiparty was significantly associated with VTE (p=0.004). Females who were overweight or obese were associated with risk of VTE (p value of 0.001 and 0.003, respectively). There was a significant association between rates of Caesarean section and VTE (p=0.019). Postpartum haemorrhage, admission to newborn unit, and birth weight were associated with VTE with p value of 0.034, 0.025, and 0.018, respectively. Conclusion: The authors concluded there is no difference in fetomaternal outcome between females with VTE and females without VTE.