Eclampsia during pregnancy: epidemiological, clinical and prognostic aspects at Angre teaching hospital, about 91 cases

Abstract

Objective: To study the epidemiological, clinical and prognostic characteristics of eclampsia during pregnancy in the gynecology and obstetrics department of Angré University Hospital. Method: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study with a descriptive aim which concerned a period of 2 years going from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021. Included in our study were the files of
patients seen for eclampsia during pregnancy having given birth after 28 weeks of amenorrhea or 6 months at Angré University Hospital. Ninety-one files were selected. Results: During the study period, we recorded 4948 deliveries including 91 cases of eclampsia during pregnancy, an estimated frequency of 1.8% of deliveries. The average age was 24 years old. They were
housewives in 39.6% of cases. First-time mothers represented 72.5% of cases. Medical history of diabetes/obesity and high blood pressure accounted for 4.4% and 3.3% of cases, respectively. Magnesia sulfate (93.4%) and nicardipine (95.6%) were used as first-line treatment; 45.1% patients were transferred to intensive care. The main complications were HELLP syndrome (13.2%) and eclamptic status epilepticus (9.9%). We recorded 5 maternal deaths, representing a lethality of 5.5%.  Conclusion: Eclampsia remains a source of numerous complications with a high maternal and fetal mortality rate in sub-Saharan Africa. Magnesium sulfate now occupies a prominent place in the therapeutic arsenal.