The analysis of eclamptic morbidity and mortality in the Specialist Hospital Gombe, Nigeria

A retrospective review of 302 cases of eclampsia treated at the Specialist Hospital Gombe (SHG), between January 1st 1997 and December 31st 1999 is presented. Intrapartum eclampsia was the commonest presentation, occurring in 166 (55.0%) patients. Headache, blurred vision, and epigastric pain preceded the first episode of seizure in 272 (90.0%) of the cases. The diastolic blood pressure of 110 mmHg or more was recorded in 102 (33.8%) of the study group. Eclampsia was more common among teenage mothers 202 (66.9%), and primigravidae 222 (73.5%). Spontaneous vaginal delivery occurred in 159 (52.6%) of the patients. Caesarean section was performed in 122 (40.4%) of the cases. Pyrexia was the commonest morbidity. There were 35 maternal deaths giving a case fatality rate of 11.6%. There were 111 (36.8%) perinatal deaths during the study period. Expanded sections in mass media education of the general populace and counselling young women on care during pregnancies are suggested. The provision and use of life-saving treatment is paramount, at the same time efforts towards eliminating the conditions that created the unbooked emergencies are crucial.