Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) commonly occur postpartum and are associated with preventable maternal morbidity and mortality. HDP is the most common reason for presentation to the Emergency Department (ED) after delivery. However, given the broad range of non-specific symptoms, recognition and management of postpartum HDP may be delayed leading to serious adverse clinical outcomes. Objectives To describe: (1) the clinical presentation; (2) ED physician’s diagnosis; and (3) current ED management of women with HDP in Calgary ED’s. Methods A retrospective review of postpartum women (within 42 days of delivery) attending three Calgary EDs between 2011 and 2012 was performed. Administrative data was used to randomly select 119 women; 44 with diagnostic codes for any HDP (labeled “HDP”) and 75 with diagnostic codes for related diagnoses (e.g., abdominal pain, headache) (labeled “non-HDP”). Charts were reviewed for: maternal demographics; obstetrical history; and ED clinical findings, investigations and management. Results Maternal characteristics were similar between groups. There was considerable overlap in clinical presentation between groups, with no significant difference for any presenting symptom. Only 52.3% (CI 40.0–64.3%) of women in the “HDP” group had HDP investigations (bloodwork and urinalysis) vs. 30.4% (CI 18.7–58.5%) of “non-HDP” (p = 0.072). HDP was diagnosed by the ED team in 42.9% (CI 31.1–55.5%) of the HDP group of whom only 40.3% (CI 28.7–53.1) received antihypertensive therapy. Conclusions Postpartum HDP is commonly under-recognized and under-treated in the ED, highlighting opportunities for interventions to improve the recognition and management of postpartum HDP.
