Evaluation of independent prognostic factors in pregnancy induced hypertension using a stepwise logistic regression

The diagnostic value of a combination of estimates of blood pressure, proteinuria, oedema, platelet count serum proteins and serum uric acid for detecting intrauterine growth retardation and predicting perinatal mortality has been evaluated by means of a stepwise logistic regression in 147 cases of pregnancy induced hypertension. The 'Gestosis Index' variables, combining systolic and diastolic blood pressure, proteinuria and oedema had less value in detecting intra-uterine growth retardation than the triad systolic blood pressure, serum protein and platelet count. Neither group of variables predicted perinatal mortality well. Further investigation is needed to see if serum protein and platelet counts are helpful in predicting other complications of pregnancy induced hypertension.