Eclampsia in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital: a five-year review

The contribution of Eclampsia to maternal mortality in Nigeria is well documented. In Irrua it accounts for over 25% of maternal deaths. Addressing Eclampsia is therefore a priority programme of the Irrua Safe motherhood Initiative.

The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of eclampsia, its clinical correlates and outcome. Finally strategies will formulate programme implementation.

This is a retrospective study of cases of eclampsia in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo state; over a five-year period. Information was retrieved using a structured proforma. Statistical analysis was done using the excel statistical package and the Epi info 2002 statistical software.

Seventy eight (78) were admitted in the 5 year study. This accounted for 2.52% of total labour ward admission. However only 74 case notes were available for analysis. 70/74 of the patients were unbooked emergencies. Among the unbooked patients. 38/70 (54.29%) of the unbooked had not received any antenatal care whatsoever. The incidence was disproportionately higher in younger women and teenagers as well as in primigravida. 55/74 (74.32%) had preceding headache while 21.62% had a prior history of blurred vision, 14.86% had epigastric pain.16.22% had restlessness while 10.81% had nausea and vomiting each. The perinatal mortality rate was 28.38% while the maternal mortality ratio was 22.97%. Maternal mortality was associated with poor urinary output (0.0003), history of native medication (0.0199), number of fits (0.00209). Platelet count below 50,000/ml, highest systolic blood pressure above 200 mmhg (0.000018) and pulmonary oedema (0.000558).

Addressing Eclampsia in Irrua will include community campaigns, capacity building, retraining of staffs within the hospital and improved facilities for the management of cases.