Original Research ArticleInternational Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Publication:
Predictors of eclampsia among preeclamptic patients: a case control study in Yaounde, Cameroon

Int J Reprod Contracept Obstet Gynecol. 2016;5(7):2204-2209.DOI10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20162094

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Abstract

Background Preeclampsia is a major cause of maternal mortality. Eclampsia is a dramatic complication of preeclampsia. This study aimed at identifying clinical predictors of eclampsia among preeclamptic patients.

Methods We carried out a case-control study from November 1, 2014 to April 30, 2015 in six health facilities in Yaounde. Cases were women who have had eclamptic seizures antepartum, perpartum or within 48 hours of delivery. Controls were preeclamptic women who did not convulse till 48 hours after delivery. Unadjusted and adjusted Odds Ratios were calculated.

Results After univariable analysis the following parameters were associated with eclampsia: headache (uOR: 2.9; 95% CI: 1.4-6.2) and absence of stable income (uOR: 17.6; 95% CI: 6.2-49.8). After multivariate analysis predictors of eclampsia among pre-eclamptic patients were: age <20 years (aOR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.0-5.9), family history of high blood pressure in the mother (aOR: 4.8; 95% CI: 1.2-19.3), antenatal care by a nurse auxiliary (aOR: 9.3; 95% CI: 2.4-35.9), right upper abdominal quadrant pain (aOR: 9.9; 95% CI:1.2-77.9) visual disturbances (aOR:7.9; 95% CI: 2.3-26.9).

Conclusions These predictors of eclampsia can be used for early initiation of aggressive preventive therapy in pre-eclamptic patients.

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Affiliations

  1. Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Yaounde Central Hospital, Cameroon; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé 1, Yaoundé, BO Box: 1364 Cameroon
  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé 1, Yaoundé, BO Box: 1364 Cameroon
  3. Douala Gynaeco Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital, PO Box: 7270 Douala-Cameroon
  4. Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Yaounde Central Hospital, Cameroon; Research, Education and Health Development Group, Gares falaise, Dschang, Cameroon; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Higher Institute of Medical Technology of Nkolondom, Yaoundé, Cameroon
  5. Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Yaounde Central Hospital, Cameroon; Department of surgery and specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé 1, Yaoundé, BO Box: 1364 Cameroon
  6. Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Yaounde Central Hospital, Cameroon; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé 1, Yaoundé, BO Box: 1364 Cameroon
  7. Faculty of Medicine, University of Lomé, Togo, School of Armies Health Services of Lomé, Togo
  8. Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Yaounde Central Hospital, Cameroon; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé 1, Yaoundé, BO Box: 1364 Cameroon
  9. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé 1, Yaoundé, BO Box: 1364 Cameroon; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Higher Institute of Medical Technology of Nkolondom, Yaoundé, Cameroon

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