The global impact of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal Health
• Global Health

Background:

• Pregnancy-related complications cause over 500,000 maternal deaths annually, predominantly in low- and middle-income countries.
• Preeclampsia affects 2-8% of pregnancies, leading to severe maternal and fetal complications, and contributes to 10-15% of direct maternal deaths.
• Eclampsia, a severe form of preeclampsia, is a leading cause of maternal mortality in high-mortality settings, with high perinatal mortality rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of preeclampsia and eclampsia on maternal and perinatal outcomes, particularly in resource-limited settings.
• To evaluate current interventions for preventing and treating preeclampsia and eclampsia.
• To highlight the role of magnesium sulfate in managing eclamptic seizures and its potential to reduce maternal mortality.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on preeclampsia, eclampsia, and maternal mortality.
• Analysis of the effectiveness of interventions such as low-dose aspirin, calcium supplementation, antihypertensives, and magnesium sulfate.
• Examination of treatment challenges and optimal delivery timing for severe preeclampsia.

Main Results:

• Low-dose aspirin and calcium supplementation are the only proven preventive interventions for preeclampsia.
• Magnesium sulfate significantly reduces the risk of eclampsia and maternal death, and is the preferred anticonvulsant for treating eclamptic seizures.
• Despite its effectiveness and low cost, magnesium sulfate is not universally available in low- and middle-income countries.

Conclusions:

• Preeclampsia and eclampsia pose a major global health challenge, necessitating improved access to care and interventions.
• Scaling up the use of magnesium sulfate is crucial for reducing maternal and perinatal mortality associated with eclampsia and severe preeclampsia.
• Addressing disparities in healthcare access is essential for achieving maternal health goals and improving outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.