IntroductionThe objective of the study was to determine the course and outcomes of pregnancy and childbirth in adolescents compared to women aged 20–24 years in Slovenia.MethodsIn the retrospective study, the course of pregnancy and labour and the perinatal outcome of newborns in primiparous adolescents aged ≤19 years (study group) have been compared to the control group of primiparous women aged 20–24 years. The study group was further divided into a study subgroup of adolescents aged ≤17 years. Data were retrieved from the National Perinatal Information System in Slovenia for the period 2008–2012. Altogether, 13,663 women and their newborns were included.ResultsAdolescent pregnancy was associated with increased rates of unknown estimated date of delivery, preterm labour, low birth weight newborns, small for gestational age newborns and low gestational weight gain. Spontaneous labour was more common in adolescents, while emergency and elective Caesarean sections were less common than in women aged 20–24 years. In addition, pregnancy in adolescents aged ≤17 years was associated with increased rate of maternal anaemia and labour without complications. Higher rates of smoking, lower rates of parenting school attendance, lower rates of pregnancy check-ups and screening tests in pregnancy such as nuchal translucency in adolescents were found.ConclusionsThe results of the study show that adolescent pregnancy is related to higher health risks for pregnant adolescents and their newborns. In addition, adolescents are subject to poorer prenatal care comparing to older women.

SU M M A RYHypertension and dyslipidemias represent important risk factors for the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases which have a high mortality rate. Although we know how to treat both, the success rate remains low. More than half of patients need at least two antihypertensive agents to achieve target blood pressure. Also, dyslipidemia frequently coexists and thus the burden of life-long pill taking is high and the adherence is low. We suggest treating both conditions simultaneously in a fixed combination. This would increase patients' adherence and compliance to therapy and therefore provide a more successful management of both conditions.