Merita Vuniqi-krasniqi - M.D, Department of Gynecology, University Clinical Center of Kosova, Medical Faculty, University of Pristine, Prishtine, Kosovo
Myrvete Pacarada - M.D, Ph.D, Department of Gynecology, University Clinical Center of Kosova, Medical Faculty, University of Pristine, Prishtine, Kosovo.
Qëndresë Daka - M.D, Ph.D, Department of Pathophysiology, University Clinical Center of Kosova, Medical Faculty, University of Pristine, Pristine, Kosovo
Zeqir Dervishi - M.D, Ph.D, Department of Gynecology, University Clinical Center of Kosova, Medical Faculty, University of Pristine, Prishtine, Kosovo

Background: Relationships between in-vitro fertilization (IVF), gestational hypertension, and pregnancy outcomes are demonstrated in a number of studies. However, it is still debated if IVF treatment or specific characteristics of infertile patients are responsible for worse obstetrical and neonatal outcomes. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate maternal characteristics associated with hypertensive disorders (HD) in IVF conceived pregnancies and to assess the obstetrical and neonatal outcomes. Materials and Methods: In this observational, cross-sectional study, 207 pregnant women who underwent IVF treatment were consecutively divided into two groups: a group that had no HD during pregnancy (IVF group) and a group that had HD during pregnancy (IVF+HD group). Maternal, obstetrical and neonatal data of the two groups were compared. Results: Some maternal characteristics were significantly higher in IVF+HD compared to IVF group such as: older age (p=0.0001), primiparity (p=0.038), obesity (p=0.0001), and cigarette smoking (p=0.0001). There were no significant differences between the groups in regard to obstetrical outcomes besides premature rupture of membranes time that was significantly higher in IVF+HD group compared to IVF group (p=0.036). In regard to neonatal outcomes, the only statistically significant difference was in the 5th min Apgar score, which was higher in IVF+HD group compared to IVF group without HD (p=0.002). Conclusion: With regard to significantly higher differences in maternal characteristics of IVF conceived pregnancies complicated with HD, compared to uncomplicated ones, development of a specific national prevention measure for HD of IVF conceived pregnancies in Kosovo is strongly suggested. In addition, setting up of a national registry is recommended in order to evaluate the outcomes of IVF treatments properly.

In vitro fertilization, Gestational hypertension, Outcomes, Kosovo