Main Article Content
Presentation and outcome of eclampsia in Uyo, South-South Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Eclampsia is a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. The University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) is a new hospital and the only functioning tertiary health facility in Awka Ibom State.
Objective: To establish the incidence of eclampsia, identify the sociodemographic predisposing factors, clinical presentation, maternal and perinatal outcome with the aim of standardizing the management of this condition.
Materials and Methods: The case records of patients with eclampsia managed at UUTH between 1st January 2000 and December 31st 2004 were analysed and relevant information extracted.
Results: There were 3,716 deliveries within this period, 37 of which were complicated by eclampsia. Only 60 cases were retrieved for analysis. The incidence of eclampsia was 19.6 per 1000 deliveries and the maternal mortality rate was 6,800/100, 00. Majority of the eclamptics 61.7% were unbooked patients and 46.7% of the cases occurred in the antenatal period. Nulliparous women constituted 53.3% of the patients, 56.7% were twenty-five years of age and below and 86.7% had low formal education. Thirty patients (50.0%) had been to spiritual churches prior to arrival to hospital. Caesarean deliveries occurred in 63.3% and the perinatal mortality rate was 307/1,000 live births.
Conclusion: The associated high morbidity and mortality can be reduced by the improved utilization of antenatal care facilities, timely referrals and the inclusion of efficacious protocols of management.
Keywords: eclampsia, outcome, spiritual churches, Uyo
Tropical Journal of Medical Research Vol. 9(2) 2005: 9-11
Objective: To establish the incidence of eclampsia, identify the sociodemographic predisposing factors, clinical presentation, maternal and perinatal outcome with the aim of standardizing the management of this condition.
Materials and Methods: The case records of patients with eclampsia managed at UUTH between 1st January 2000 and December 31st 2004 were analysed and relevant information extracted.
Results: There were 3,716 deliveries within this period, 37 of which were complicated by eclampsia. Only 60 cases were retrieved for analysis. The incidence of eclampsia was 19.6 per 1000 deliveries and the maternal mortality rate was 6,800/100, 00. Majority of the eclamptics 61.7% were unbooked patients and 46.7% of the cases occurred in the antenatal period. Nulliparous women constituted 53.3% of the patients, 56.7% were twenty-five years of age and below and 86.7% had low formal education. Thirty patients (50.0%) had been to spiritual churches prior to arrival to hospital. Caesarean deliveries occurred in 63.3% and the perinatal mortality rate was 307/1,000 live births.
Conclusion: The associated high morbidity and mortality can be reduced by the improved utilization of antenatal care facilities, timely referrals and the inclusion of efficacious protocols of management.
Keywords: eclampsia, outcome, spiritual churches, Uyo
Tropical Journal of Medical Research Vol. 9(2) 2005: 9-11
