Trends in eclampsia at Korle Bu Teaching Hospatal, Accra Ghana

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study was to find out the current trend of eclampsia and the incidence in Korle Bu Teaching hospital

Method: Case files of all patients who were managed as eclampsia from 1st January 1998 to 31st December 200 were reviewed

Result: The incidence of eclampisa during the study period was 15.82 per 1000 deliveries and the fatality rate for eclampsia was 4.78%. About 36.25 of the patients did not receive any form of magnesium sulphate and about 47.5% of the patients arrived at the hospital in taxicabs

Conclusion: The results suggested that the incidence of eclampsia had risen from 11.1to 15.82 per 1000 deliveries. It was concluded that magnesium sulphate should be made available in the district hospitals and the polyclinics. Protocol for its use should be circulated and enforced. In addition the ministry of Health could organize a pool of ambulance services for reasonable fees for the public.

KEY WORDS: Eclampsia, Magnesium sulphate, maternal deaths.

Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Vol.6(1) 2003: 1-4