Journal of Clinical and Experimental Investigations

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of advanced maternal age on pregnancy outcomes
Methods: A retrospective analysis of 951 birth registry records of Zeynep Kamil Hospital, were analyzed between Janu­ary 2003 and December 2007. Study group was made up of women ≥40 years old and control group was made up of women younger than 40 years.
Results: Mean maternal age was 41.48 years in the study group and 26.41 years in the control group. Mean gesta­tional age at the time of delivery is 37.73 weeks in study group and 38.10 weeks in the control group. There was no statistical difference in terms of preterm delivery, multiple pregnancy, fetal anomaly, IUGR, superimpose preeclampsia oligohidramnios, presentation anomaly and placenta previa rates between the study and control groups. Incidence of preeclampsia (p=0.041), Chronic hypertension (p=0.001), GDM (p= 0.003),is found to be higher in study group. Cesar­ean birth rate is higher (p<0.05) and hospitalization time is longer in study group (p=0.001). 1st minute and 5th minute APGAR scores of the study group (6.99±2, 8.27±2) was lower than the 1st minute and 5th Minutes APGAR scores of the control group (7.38±1.6, 8.58±1.7). Neonatal intensive care unit administration rate is seen also higher in study group (p<0.01).
Conclusion: Advanced maternal age was related to increased pregnancy complications and poor perinatal outcome. Preeclampsia, GDM, chronic hypertension is seen more common in advanced age pregnancies. Neonatal intensive care administration is higher and APGAR scores are lower; cesarean delivery was performed more common, and hospitaliza­tion time was longer in advanced age pregnancies.