Presentation and Outcome of Eclampsia at a Tertiary Center in South East Nigeria - A 6-Year Review

Objective. To determine the maternal and fetal outcomes of eclamptic patients treated in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, over a 6-year period (2004-2009). Materials and Methods. It was a retrospective study. The case notes of 212 patients with eclampsia were analyzed with respect to age, parity, type of eclampsia, gestational age, booking status, mode of delivery, and outcome of the babies and mothers. Results. There were 212 cases of eclampsia out of a total of 13,536 deliveries, giving a prevalence of 1.57%. One hundred and sixty (24.5%) of the women were unbooked. Antepartum eclampsia constituted 160 (75.5%) of all types of eclampsia. Nulliparous teenagers were the most commonly affected women - 128 (60.4%). Cesarean delivery was higher than vaginal delivery, accounting for 160 (75.5%) of all deliveries. There was a statistically significant relationship between the route of delivery and the parity of the women (chi(2) = 3.60; d = 5; p = 0.035). There were 16 maternal deaths, giving a case fatality rate of 7.5%. There were 12 neonatal and 8 perinatal deaths. Puerperal sepsis occurred in 9.4% of the patients. Conclusion. Eclampsia is a major cause of maternal mortality in Nnewi, rural South East Nigeria. Teenage nulliparous women are most susceptible.