Publication:

Sociodemographic profiling and study of maternal and perinatal outcome in patients suffering from eclampsia

Background Eclampsia is defined as the occurrence of convulsions, not caused by any coincidental neurological disease such as Epilepsy, in a woman whose condition also meets the criteria for preeclampsia. The incidence is about 1:1600 pregnancies. Eclampsia is an acute obstetric emergency and quick treatment and timely decision making is required to get the best maternal and fetal outcome. The aim and objectives of the study was to socio demographic profile of the patients admitted with eclampsia and maternal and perinatal outcome in patients with eclampsia.

Methods It was a record based retrospective study. The hospital files of patients admitted for the treatment of eclampsia during Oct 2012 to Dec 2013 were retrieved and were extensively studied. The data was entered in Microsoft excel and data base was created, appropriate statistical tests were applied and results were studied.

Results It was found that majority of patients (74%) belonged to age group of 21-30 years, were un booked (96%) and 65% belonged to rural areas. Sixty five percent (65%) of patients were admitted at less than 37 weeks of the gestational age and 67% of patients were primigravida. Majority of them had history of being normotensive. Majority of patients (62%) were delivered by Caesarean section.  Maternal mortality was found in six percent of the patients.

Conclusions Eclampsia is a frightening complication of pregnancy. It is life threatening to mother and fetus, however early treatment and delivery improves maternal and perinatal outcome.