Publication:

Evaluation of factors influencing maternal and fetal outcome in eclampsia in a tertiary care hospital

Background Eclampsia is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Evaluation of factors contributing to occurrence of eclampsia and death of eclamptic mother is of paramount importance.

Methods A retrospective study of two years period was done in Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh. Pregnant woman diagnosed as eclampsia during this period were included. The events and outcome of mother and fetus were recorded and analysed.

Results During this two years period the total number of deliveries were 19150, total maternal death 180, eclampsia case 406 and maternal death due to eclampsia was 29. The incidence of eclampsia was 2.12%, case fatality rate 7.14%, stillbirth 16.29% and caesarean delivery in eclamptic mother was 30%. Pulmonary edema (34.48%) and anaemic heart failure (27.58%) were responsible for majority of the maternal death.

Conclusions Eclampsia is still a major cause of maternal death. Occurrence of eclampsia can be reduced by optimizing antenatal care of pregnant woman of low socioeconomic class. Improvement in capacity of intensive care unit and blood bank are essential prerequisite to reduce maternal death due to eclamptic mother.