Clinical Profile of Patients Presenting With Eclampsia at a Semi-urban Tertiary Care Center

Abstract

IntroductionPregnancies complicated by hypertensive disorders contribute to enormous burden on economy and healthcare facilities. Eclampsia is one of the clinical markers of near-miss mortality. To achieve optimal outcomes, efforts should be directed at both periphery and tertiary care levels. This study aimed to compare the fetomaternal outcome in patients presenting with eclampsia and a matched control population. MethodologyA comparative observational study was conducted among 70 cases and 70 controls. Detailed history and general and obstetrical examinations were carried out. Data was extracted from case files, labor room, and ICU records. Maternal and fetal outcomes were noted from January 2023 to January 2024. Statistical software STATA 14.2 (StataCorp LLC, College Station, Texas, USA) was used for data analysis. Observational descriptive statistics and chi-square and Fisher extract tests were applied. ResultsIn our study, the incidence of eclampsia was 0.7% (70 per 1000 live births). The maternal mortality rate was 102.8/100000 live births and the perinatal mortality rate was 10.2/ 1000 live births in our study. The study observed a relatively young aged population and a significant bulk of cases belonged to late gestation or post-partum. Events like HELLP syndrome, abruption, liver, and renal failure were found to be frequently linked to eclampsia. Neonatal asphyxia (P-0.005), NICU requirement 41.43% vs 29% (P<0.01) preterm delivery 45.7% vs 14% (P=<0.001), and low birth weight were more commonly observed among the cases than the controls. ConclusionsEclampsia was found to be a significant contributor to elevated rates of morbidity and mortality in mothers and newborns. Poor antenatal care, severe anemia, and late referrals were some of the modifiable risk factors. Health care and economic burden on society is immense due to the significant utilization of intensive care and high dependency units.