Implementing components of the PHC for PE/E Model in Pakistan: A cost analysis

PE is a condition that can affect pregnant women and is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in urine after 20 weeks’ gestation. Women with PE are at increased risk for organ damage or failure, pre-term birth, loss of pregnancy, and stroke. PE can progress to eclampsia, which is characterized by seizures, and may be associated with kidney and liver damage, as well as maternal death. Infant risks include pre-term birth, low birth weight, stillbirth and death, among others [2]. Infants born pre-term due to PE are at higher risk of long term health issues. The risks of PE/E can be mitigated with regular screening during antenatal care (ANC) as well as the postnatal period. Once detected, regular monitoring of PE can lessen progression to severe PE/E, and severe PE/E can be managed through administration of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) and antihypertensive drugs [2].