Anthropometric predictors of gestational hypertensive disorders in a remote aboriginal community: a nested case–control study

Abstract

BackgroundAustralian Aboriginal women tend to have body shape and pregnancy risk profiles different from other Australian women. This study aims to examine the associations of anthropometric indices with gestational hypertensive disorders (GHD), and to determine the index that can best predict the risk of this condition occurring during pregnancy.MethodsThis is a nested case–control study. Baseline body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were measured as part of a broader health screening program between 1992 and 1995 in a remote Aboriginal community. All subsequent pregnancies among the original participants were identified during 20 year follow-up period through hospital records (up to May 2012). Twenty eight women were diagnosed as having GHD, each of whom were individually matched by age at baseline with five women who were hospitalised for other pregnancy-related conditions and were free from GHD (n = 140). The associations of the baseline anthropometric measurements with GHD were assessed using conditional logistic regression.ResultsThe best predictor of GHD was WC (OR = 1.8; (95% CI, 1.1-2.9) for one standard deviation increase in WC), followed by BMI with the corresponding OR = 1.7 (95% CI, 1.1- 2.6). Other measurements, HC, WHR, and WHtR, were also positively associated with GHD, but those associations were not statistically significant.ConclusionsWC and BMI prior to pregnancy are anthropometric predictors of GHD in Aboriginal women, and WC is the best predictor. These findings imply the importance of early weight control in preventing GHD in Aboriginal women.

Assessment of the relationship between red blood cell distribution width and preganecy hypertension disease

“…The study proved that the gestational age, pregestational BMI and RDW at 20th week of pregnancy were the high risk factors of the PHD by the Logistic regression analysis. Age and BMI as high risk factors of the PHD was in line with the existing reports . But RDW as a new PHD risk factor has not been reported.…”

“…Age and BMI as high risk factors of the PHD was in line with the existing reports. [9][10][11][12][13] But RDW as a new PHD risk factor has not been reported. Only reported that the relationship between RDW and preeclampsia, and there were obvious disputes.…”

Risk factors associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy within an urban indigenous population in south western Sydney

“…12 Similarly, BMI, as well as waist circumference were statistically significant in predicting the development of hypertension in pregnancy. 12 However, this study had smaller participant numbers (n = 28) in a rural setting and did not explore any other risk factors for HDP. The only other published Australian study that examined risk factors for hypertension in pregnancy in ATSI women was published in 1996.…”

“…Several hypotheses were suggested for the higher than national BMI reported in this study, such as the lack of availability of healthy foods and safe environments in which to exercise . A nested case control study from the Northern Territory, again examined the predictive effect of anthropometric measurements in the Aboriginal community . Similarly, BMI, as well as waist circumference were statistically significant in predicting the development of hypertension in pregnancy .…”

“…A nested case control study from the Northern Territory, again examined the predictive effect of anthropometric measurements in the Aboriginal community . Similarly, BMI, as well as waist circumference were statistically significant in predicting the development of hypertension in pregnancy . However, this study had smaller participant numbers ( n = 28) in a rural setting and did not explore any other risk factors for HDP.…”