TITLE:
Factors Associated with Maternal Death Due to Preeclampsia at the University Hospital Center (CHU) Kara
AUTHORS:
Kossi Edem Logbo-Akey, Kofi Mawoulé Améwouho, Tina Ketevi, Yendoubé Kambote, Sougléman Laré, Dédé Régina Ajavon, Abdoul-Samadou Aboubakari, Koffi Akpadza
KEYWORDS:
Preeclampsia, Maternal Death, Associated Factors, CHU-Kara (Togo)
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.15 No.12,
December
30,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Preeclampsia is a major cause of maternal mortality worldwide. The objective of this study was to investigate the factors associated with maternal mortality during preeclampsia at CHU-Kara. Patients and Methods: This was a case-control study with retrospective data collection, conducted from January 1, 2020, to June 30, 2025, in the gynecology-obstetrics department. All cases of maternal deaths in patients with preeclampsia (n = 23) were compared to 92 controls based on a 4:1 ratio. A univariate analysis was performed to determine the relationship of a single risk factor with maternal mortality. Subsequently, a multivariate analysis was conducted to examine the effect of multiple associated risk factors in order to control for confounding variables. Results: The mean age of the deceased patients was 26.6 ± 5.7 years. The univariate analysis identified the following risk factors for maternal mortality during preeclampsia: fewer than 4 prenatal visits, postpartum onset of preeclampsia, occurrence of eclampsia, renal failure, acute pulmonary edema, HELLP syndrome, and admission to the intensive care unit. In the multivariate analysis, only fewer than 4 prenatal visits, the occurrence of eclampsia, and acute pulmonary edema were retained as predictors of maternal mortality during preeclampsia. Conclusion: Maternal mortality related to preeclampsia is multifactorial. The main risk factors for death in women with preeclampsia are fewer than 4 prenatal visits, eclampsia, and acute pulmonary edema.