Maternal and Perinatal Complications in Eclampsia Patients: Study in a Private Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh

ABSTRACT

Background: Eclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication that can lead to seizures and potentially fatal outcomes for both mother and baby. It is most common in developing countries but improved antenatal care and early intervention have significantly decreased its incidence in developed countries. Risk factors for eclampsia include pre-eclampsia, hypertension, obesity, and renal disease, and early detection and management are crucial for preventing adverse outcomes. Magnesium sulfate is the preferred treatment for seizures, and delivery timing depends on disease severity, gestational age, and fetal well-being. Maternal and perinatal mortality rates vary by country, highlighting the need for continued efforts to improve outcomes for those affected by eclampsia. The study aimed to observe the maternal and perinatal complications in eclampsia patients. Material & Methods: This observational study was conducted at the Department of Gynecology, Gonoshasthaya Nagar Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period of January 2020 to June 2020. We included a total of 270 patients with eclampsia who were admitted to a tertiary care hospital. A Purposive consecutive sampling method was followed for the selection of the participants. Results: This study analyzed the demographic and clinical characteristics, maternal and perinatal complications, and risk factors of 270 patients with eclampsia. The majority of patients were aged between 20-34 years (77.8%), and 61.1% were multiparous. Over half of the cases (55.6%) presented with eclampsia between 28-36 weeks of gestation, and 38.9% had a history of preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy. The most common symptoms reported were headaches (88.9%). All cases involved hypertensive disorders, and maternal death was reported in 1.9% of cases. Perinatal complications included low birth weight (44.4%), preterm delivery (36.3%), NICU admission (34.8%), stillbirth (4.4%), and early neonatal death (3.0%). Maternal mortality rates were highest among women aged 20-34 years (56.5%), while perinatal mortality rates were highest among women aged under 20 years (20.0%). The highest maternal mortality rate was observed among women with severe eclampsia (91.4%), and time to treatment was a crucial factor in maternal mortality rates. These findings underscore the need for timely and appropriate care to improve maternal and perinatal outcomes, particularly in high-risk populations. Conclusion: Eclampsia is a serious complication of pregnancy that can result in significant maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Early detection, prompt management, and close monitoring of high-risk pregnancies are crucial in preventing adverse outcomes. Further research is needed to identify effective interventions for preventing and managing eclampsia.