Case-control study of risk factors for complicated eclampsia

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors associated with complicated eclampsia. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with eclampsia complicated by intracerebral hemorrhage, pulmonary edema, renal, hepatic, or respiratory failure, disseminated intravascular coagulation, abruptio placentae, pulmonary aspiration, or hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets syndrome were compared retrospectively with 101 uncomplicated eclamptic controls. Information on maternal demographic factors, medical and obstetric histories, and maternal and perinatal outcomes was retrieved and analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: By multiple logistic regression, the only risk factors associated with the development of complicated eclampsia were maternal age over 26 years (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 6.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.17, 18.48), multiparity (adjusted OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.55, 13.60) and no prenatal care (adjusted OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.25, 9.60). CONCLUSION: Maternal age above 26 years, multiparity, and no prenatal care are the maternal risk factors identified for the development of complicated eclampsia.