Maternal deaths with epilepsy: A population-based study in Turkey

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Neurology
• Public Health

Background:

• Epilepsy is a significant comorbidity in maternal deaths.
• Understanding the specific causes and risk factors is vital for improving outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical characteristics of maternal deaths associated with epilepsy in Turkey.
• To compare demographic and clinical features between status epilepticus and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) in maternal mortality.

Main Methods:

• Population-based epidemiological study of maternal deaths with epilepsy in Turkey (2012-2019).
• Maternal deaths with epilepsy were categorized into status epilepticus (n=19) and SUDEP (n=19) groups for comparison.

Main Results:

• Maternal deaths with epilepsy constituted 2.5%–5.3% of total maternal deaths.
• Leading causes of death included pulmonary embolism (32%), cerebrovascular events (23%), and cerebral vein thrombosis (15.4%).
• SUDEP group showed higher rates of epilepsy duration, preconceptional counseling, and antenatal follow-up compared to status epilepticus.

Conclusions:

• Physicians must be vigilant regarding severe complications in pregnant women with epilepsy.
• The increased risk of maternal mortality in these cases necessitates heightened clinical attention and management strategies.