Eclampsia: 134 consecutive cases.
OBJECTIVE
A retrospective analysis of all cases of eclampsia (134) at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana, in 1991, was undertaken to determine future directions in prevention and management.


METHODS
One hundred and thirty-four consecutive cases of eclampsia were reviewed to assess possible risk factors, associated medical impact, and the usefulness of prenatal care.


RESULTS
Risk factors for the development of eclampsia include: young age, delivery in the rainy season, nulliparity, multiple pregnancy, prolonged labor, and lack of prenatal care. Eclampsia is associated with high maternal and perinatal mortality.


CONCLUSIONS
Future emphasis on prenatal clinics, and earlier detection and management of pre-eclampsia should lessen the incidence of this severe obstetric emergency.
Obed
S A
SA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana.
Wilson
J B
JB
Elkins
T E
TE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001724:Birth Weight; D001794:Blood Pressure; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004461:Eclampsia / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008428:Maternal Mortality; D009017:Morbidity; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011295:Prenatal Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012621:Seasons; D013997:Time Factors