Ecalmpsia: maternal and fetal outcome

To determine the incidence of eclampsia and examine the maternal and fetal outcome.

A hundred and twenty consecutive admissions with eclampsia managed in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria, were prospectively collated and analysed. Maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality were recorded.

The incidence of eclampsia was 1.2% of deliveries. Most (69.2%) of the patients had no antenatal care. In 93 (77.5%), the convulsions were controlled with diazepam, and 22.5% magnesium sulphate. Maternal complications rate was 39.2%, and use of Diazepam for control of convulsions increases complications (RR 3.12, 95% CI = 1.23-7.92, p= 0.02). Case fatality rate was 11.7%, diazepam use failed to achieve significant association with maternal death (RR 8.64, 95% CI = 0.53-140.29, p= 0.13). Stillbirth rate was 22.5% with significant association with diazepam use (RR 7.55, 95% CI= 1.07-3.09, p=0.04). Birth asphyxia was recorded in 39.1% and low birth weight in 25.8%.

The incidence of eclampsia in our hospital was very high, with corresponding high maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Increased antenatal screening and use of magnesium sulphate to control convulsions will reduce the incidence and associated morbidity and mortality for both mother and fetus.