Maternal and perinatal outcomes among eclamptic patients admitted to Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania.
Eclampsia continues to be a major problem, particularly in developing countries such as Tanzania, contributing significantly to high maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. We conducted a study to establish the incidence of eclampsia and the associated maternal and perinatal outcomes among eclamptic patients admitted to our center. A descriptive cross-sectional study of all women presenting with eclampsia was performed from June 2009 to February 2010. Seventy-six patients presented with eclampsia out of a total 5562 deliveries during the study period (incidence of 1.37%). Antenatal attendance was 96% among patients with eclampsia; however, only 45.21% and 24.66% were screened for blood pressure and proteinuria respectively. Maternal and perinatal case fatality rates were 7.89% and 20.73% respectively. The main factors contributing to maternal deaths were acute renal failure (10.5%), pulmonary oedema (10.5%), maternal stroke (8.8%), HELLP syndrome (50.9%), and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy (3.5%). Perinatal deaths were caused by prematurity (42.9%) and birth asphyxia (57.1%). Forty-eight babies had low-birth weight (58.54%). The high incidence of eclampsia and its complications during this study period may indicate the need for earlier and more meticulous intervention at both the clinic and hospital levels.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanz, Tanzania.
Edgar M
EM
Ndaboine
Albert
A
Kihunrwa
Richard
R
Rumanyika
H Beatrice
HB
Im
Anthony N
AN
Massinde
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003906:Developing Countries; D004461:Eclampsia / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008428:Maternal Mortality; D054238:Perinatal Mortality; D011247:Pregnancy; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000401:mortality; D050497:Stillbirth / Q000453:epidemiology; D013636:Tanzania / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult