Abstract
Objectives
To asses maternal and perinatal outcome in patients presenting with eclampsia.
Patients and Methods
This prospective descriptive study was carried out at Ghulam Mohammad Mahar Medical College Hospital, Sukkur, Pakistan from January 2009 to December 2009. In all patients with eclampsia maternal outcome was measured in terms of complications like pulmonary edema, hematological disorder, renal failure, cerebral hemorrhage and maternal death. Perinatal outcome was noted in terms of pre-term births, low birth weight, need of admission in nursery, IUGR, still births and neonatal deaths.
Results
In 2170 deliveries in our unit, 45 (2%) were diagnosed as eclampsia. Antepartum eclampsia was seen in 21 (47%) cases followed by post partum 15 (33%) and intrapartum 9 (20%). Majority of cases (47%) were seen in the age group of 20-30 years (range 15-45 years, average 28 years). Primigravida were noted to be at highest risk with 27 (60%) developing eclampsia. C-section was the mode of delivery in 26 (58%), while vaginal delivery (spontaneous+instrumental) was seen in 19 (42%) cases. Out of 45 eclamptic patients, 9 (20%) mothers died, mainly due to cerebral hemorrhage, cardiopulmonary compromise or renal failure. Perinatal mortality came out to be 24.4%. Prematurity was the leading cause followed by low birth weight and IUGR. Twelve (27%) neonates needed NICU admission.
Conclusion
Eclampsia was associated with high maternal as well as perinatal morbidity and mortality in our study. Antenatal care, early diagnosis and referrals need to be improved. (Rawal Med J 2010;35: ).

Key words: Eclampsia, perinatal, maternal complication.