Extreme morbidity in pregnant adolescents: Case series and review of literature

Abstract

Background: In Mexico, between the years of 2014 to 2017, adolescent pregnancies corresponded to 19.2, 18.2 and 17.9%, respectively. Approximately 15,000 women die each year in Latin America and the Caribbean due to pregnancy related causes. Objective: To describe a case series of pregnant adolescents that required intensive care at Instituto Nacional de Perinatologia. Methodology: Retrospective case series of pregnant adolescents that had a life-threatening condition, and that were attended at Instituto Nacional de Perinatologia between January of 2015 and December of 2018. Results: A total of 122 adolescents were included. Mean age was 16.9 +/- 1.5 years. Most frequent associated pathologies were: cardiopathy (n=22), nephropathy (n=13), and diabetes mellitus (n=5). Obstetric morbidity was mostly due to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (n=65): preeclampsia in 59 patients, and eclampsia in 6 patients. Cesarean delivery was required in 60% of deliveries. Regarding contraception, 38% didn’t have a contraceptive method. Conclusions: Pregnancy repercussion during adolescence is considered a global health issue, and the adolescent mother needs to understand the consequences associated with this, as well as potential risk factors, such as: low scholarity, early sexual activity onset, partner absence, maternal history of adolescent pregnancy, and lack of knowledge and access to contraceptive methods.