Orofacial injuries associated with eclampsia in patients presenting at a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

A prospective study was conducted to determine the incidence and pattern of orofacial injuries among eclamptic patients at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital between December 2008 and November 2009. The incidence of orofacial injuries was 42%. Most injuries were due to bite and forceful insertion of hard objects into the patient's mouth by relatives during convulsive episodes. The type of antenatal care received had an influence on the incidence of orofacial injuries and there was a correlation between the number of convulsions and orofacial injuries. The mortality rate from eclampsia was 20.6%, and presence of orofacial injuries was a risk factor for mortality. Obstetricians and other healthcare providers should be familiar with the ways of preventing these injuries and seek early maxillofacial consultation when they occur. There is need for community education on the dangers of forceful insertion of hard objects into the mouth of eclamptics during fits.