Eclampsia Incidence, Management and Outcomes Across Multi-Country Surveillance Cohorts: Individual Participant Data...

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Eclampsia remains a significant cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide.
• Understanding its incidence and outcomes across diverse settings is crucial for improving care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the incidence of eclampsia across seven countries.
• To characterize maternal and perinatal profiles and outcomes.
• To identify inter-country differences to inform maternal and perinatal care improvements.

Main Methods:

• Multi-country analysis of population-based cohort data.
• Individual participant data meta-analysis.
• Inclusion of 615 eclampsia cases from 2012-2019 across six high-income and one upper-middle-income country.

Main Results:

• Pooled incidence of eclampsia was 2.2/10,000 deliveries in high-income countries versus 36.6/10,000 in Suriname.
• Hypertension was the most common sign (91.1%); 42% had preeclampsia before seizure, and 33% seized postpartum.
• Magnesium sulfate and antihypertensives were widely used; 72.7% underwent Cesarean section; 53% of births were preterm.

Conclusions:

• Declining eclampsia incidence in Europe may reflect improved management, though ascertainment bias exists.
• Global efforts are vital for eclampsia awareness, prevention, and standardized management guidelines.